Wage Subsidy for Job Seekers

NEW – increased flexibility allows employers to re-hire laid off employees OR to create a new position (as long as the wage subsidy agreement is in place before you're hired).

If you are eligible for a Wage Subsidy, you actually have an advantage to “market” yourself to employers.

As long as the employer fits the eligibility requirements, there are quite a few benefits for them to hire you:

1. Allows the employer to provide on-the-job training, by offsetting the extra expense of training a new employee.
2. Helps you to market yourself to the employer as the “right” person for the job, even if you don’t have all the skills.
3. Employer can hire you for your “soft skills”, or how you “fit” based on your drive and personality, and then train you for the hard skills the job requires.
4. There is less risk for the employer, as the costs of training are substantially lower.
5. Gives you an advantage over other, similarly-skilled applicants who don’t have a wage subsidy.
6. Increases the number of jobs available to you, as some skills will be learned on the job.
7. The wage subsidy is “yours”, not the employer’s, and you can use it for any employer who fits the eligibility requirements and agrees to sign an agreement.

Who Is Eligible for a Wage Subsidy?

A job seeker must be:

1. A B.C. permanent resident or Canadian Citizen
2. Unemployed (not working full-time, part- time, temporarily, etc.)
3. Identified for this service through a WorkBC service provider or employer
4. In need of work experience 

How Do I Get Started?

The first step is to contact the Wage Subsidy Coordinator directly at 250-724-4560 ext. 225 - before you get hired.

If you already have a potential employer in mind, or if an employer wants to re-hire you, it is essential that your eligibility is confirmed, and a Wage Subsidy Agreement is in place with the employer, BEFORE you are hired.

Employers:  Please visit Wage Subsidy Service for information about employers' eligibility.