Wage Subsidy Program
The Wage Subsidy program matches WorkBC clients who require on-the-job training and work experience with employers who can offer support, supervision and training to their new employee. The temporary subsidy covers a part of employee wages in exchange for coaching and on-the-job training.
As of May 1, 2024, the Employer Initiated Wage Subsidy (EIWS) ended. This program was previously funded by the federal government through the Workforce Development and Labour Market agreements as a temporary program. In the most recent federal budget, funding to B.C. was cut by almost $74 million. Due to the cut, the funding is no longer available for the Employer Initiated Wage Subsidy program.
The EIWS program allowed employers to initiate a wage subsidy for a candidate they had identified to hire. However, WorkBC's existing wage subsidy is still available to employers to hire unemployed WorkBC clients who require skills and work experience as outlined below. Contact your local WorkBC for referrals of eligible wage subsidy clients.
Benefits for employers
- Reduce cost of hiring and training new employees
- Get coverage of a portion of employee wages for up to 24 weeks
- Fill vacant positions
- Get disability supports to reduce work-related barriers for employees
Ready to apply?
- This simple application form will take you about 10 minutes to complete
- You will use Basic BCeID or Business BCeID to sign into the new Wage Subsidy platform. Business BCeID offers more functionality
- Review the Wage Subsidy Handbook - April 2026 (PDF) for details on eligibility criteria and the application process
Contact your local WorkBC Centre to be matched with a suitable candidate today.
Benefits for job seekers
- Gain new skills through on-the-job training
- Gain work experience
- Access employment opportunities
- Make new connections in a supportive work environment
Contact your local WorkBC Centre to learn more about how a wage subsidy could help you.