
WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program
grant_single|update June 4, 2025
BC, Canada
Wage subsidy aids training and employment through subsidized wages
grant_single_labels_website|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- WorkBC
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels_website|preview
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.
grant_single_labels_website|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.
grant_single_labels_website|projects
- 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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
grant_single_labels_website|admissibility
- 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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Registered businesses in British Columbia
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- 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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- British Columbia
grant_single_labels_website|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.
grant_single_labels_website|otherInfo
- 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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