WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Wage subsidy aids training and employment through subsidized wages
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $3,600 to $12,000
- Up to 85% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Overview
The WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program provides funding to cover a portion of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, aimed at reducing hiring and training costs for employers. It facilitates on-the-job training and work experience, matching employers with suitable candidates through WorkBC Centres, and includes disability supports to reduce work-related barriers.
Financing terms and conditions
- For standard WorkBC clients: Up to 24 weeks of subsidy, with wage coverage as follows: 50% (up to $500 weekly) for the first third of the work period, 25% (up to $250 weekly) for the second third, and 15% (up to $150 weekly) for the final third.
- For priority clients (youth aged 16-30 and individuals with disabilities): Up to 24 weeks of subsidy, with wage coverage as follows: 75% (up to $750 weekly) for the first third of the work period, 50% (up to $500 weekly) for the second third, and 25% (up to $250 weekly) for the final third.
- For custom category clients (matched persons with disabilities or complex barriers): Up to 78 weeks, with eligibility for a negotiated subsidy percentage up to a maximum of 85%.
- Employers may also receive coverage for the employer portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) such as Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), WorkSafeBC, and eligible vacation pay.
Activities funded
- Hiring and providing on-the-job training to new employees who require work experience.
- Offering paid work experience opportunities to individuals identified through WorkBC.
- Supporting workplace integration for youth (16-30) and individuals with disabilities or complex barriers to employment.
- Providing coaching, supervision, and skills development as part of new employee onboarding.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 8,200
Provide training and employment for a sales associate in a small retail store
$ 7,260
Provide kitchen training for an apprentice chef in a local restaurant
$ 9,600
Hire and train an administrative assistant specializing in medical records management
$ 11,600
Hire a junior software developer and provide comprehensive training in software development
$ 10,800
Hire and train a warehouse worker for inventory management in an e-commerce business
$ 8,120
Provide work experience for a graphic designer in a non-profit arts organization
Eligibility
- The business must be registered in British Columbia.
- The employer must comply with all applicable legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, Workers Compensation Act, Income Tax Act (Canada), and Employment Insurance Act (Canada).
- The employer must have an active WorkSafeBC account in good standing.
- The position offered must be primarily based and performed in British Columbia, and must be a full-time role (35-40 hours per week, unless a reduced schedule is required by the job seeker).
- The employer must offer insurable employment and pay reasonable, competitive wages reflecting current market rates for the position.
Who is eligible?
- Registered businesses in British Columbia
Who is not eligible
- Federal and provincial government entities (Government of B.C. and Government of Canada)
- Public sector organizations, including municipalities, schools, school boards, public universities and colleges, hospitals, and health authorities
- WorkBC service providers administering the Wage Subsidy program
- Employers offering positions based entirely on commission or piecework (without a guaranteed base wage)
- Employers already receiving another wage subsidy for the same employee during the same period
Eligible expenses
- Portion of employee wages during the subsidy period (up to the program's maximum weekly amounts).
- Employer portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs), including EI, CPP, WorkSafeBC, and vacation pay.
- Disability supports to reduce barriers for an employee to work.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
How to apply
1
Obtain BCeID
- Decide whether to use a Basic BCeID or a Business BCeID for the application.
- Create a BCeID account if you do not already have one by visiting the Government of BC's BCeID website.
- Ensure you have access to your BCeID credentials for future logins.
2
Review Eligibility and Program Details
- Download and review the "Wage Subsidy Handbook 2024.pdf" for complete eligibility criteria and application process details.
- Contact your local WorkBC Centre for any clarifications on eligibility or application details.
3
Contact WorkBC Centre
- Reach out to your local WorkBC Centre to be matched with suitable candidates requiring on-the-job training.
- Discuss potential training plans and support options available through the program.
4
Complete Application Form
- Log into the Wage Subsidy platform using your BCeID.
- Fill out the application form with relevant information about your business and the position to be subsidized.
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
5
Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form through the Wage Subsidy platform.
- Keep a copy of the submission confirmation for your records.
6
Follow Up
- Stay in touch with your WorkBC Centre for updates on your application status.
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the program administrators.
Additional information
- An employer can have up to five active Wage Subsidy agreements per CRA Business Number at one time and a maximum of 10 subsidized clients per fiscal year (April–March).
- Employers must digitally attest to full compliance with the program's requirements during the application process.
- Job seekers matched to a position must not begin work until the Wage Subsidy agreement is signed.
- The Wage Subsidy platform allows sharing and management of applications and claim forms within organizations that have a Business BCeID.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
Who is eligible for the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
Where is the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program available?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program program?
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