Funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, the Youth Skills BC Workplace Pilot Program offers BC employers a $2,000 Hiring Incentive when they hire an eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 29. Employers can also take advantage of a $1,000 Training Fund to purchase training for their new employee. The Training Fund will ensure your new hire has the skills/certification required to perform their job duties.
The Youth Skills BC Workplace Pilot Program is designed to provide youth participants with the skills that are required to be successful in the labour market through a combination of on-the-job training, work experience and formal skills development training. In order to address BCs current and future skills shortage challenges, we need to offer job opportunities and training to our youth and maximize their skills.
What is the Get Youth Working! Youth Skills BC Workplace Pilot Program?
This program can provide employers with a $2,000 hiring incentive when an eligible youth is hired and up to $1,000 for training activities for the new hire Click Here for Program Guidelines.
Who is Bowman Employment Services and what is their role in the Get Youth Working! Youth Skills BC Workplace Pilot Program?
Bowman Employment Services Inc. (BES) has an Agreement with the Province of BC to market and administer the YSBC Program to eligible employers and youth in all regions of BC.
BES is a private, incorporated entity and has been providing employment services since March 1989.
How can I tell if my business is eligible?
In order for a funding request to be considered, employers must be:
• In business for a minimum of one year
• In good standing with WorkSafe BC
• Must employ new hire for a minimum of 3 months and 30 hours/week
How do I apply?
The process is quick and easy. Apply by completing an application and submitting it to BES.
When will I know if my application has been accepted?
Once an application has been received, if both parties are eligible, it generally takes 1-2 business days to process and set up a Hiring Incentive Funding Agreement.
Does the Program provide me with employees?
No - employers conduct their own recruiting and hiring. However, participating employers who have applied to the program and are qualified for funding can submit their job postings to us and we'll publish them for our youth. Employers who have not yet registered can download the application form here .
What is the Youth eligibility for the program?
In order to be considered eligible for this program you must:
•Be unemployed and between 15 and 29
Not be currently receiving or eligible for EI and have not received EI in past 36 months or 60 months for a parental claim
Not be a full-time student, enrolled in high school or returning to work
Be a resident of BC and legally entitled to work in Canada
Not be participating in another Canada/British Columbia Labour Market Agreement funded program
Can I apply if Ive already hired someone and I think they might be eligible?
No. Youth are not eligible if they are hired prior to the approval of a funding agreement.
Can I apply if I am in the hiring process and dont have the name of a potential youth?
Yes. Simply complete the application form and enter " TBA" in place of a name. Once you have found a youth you wish to hire, contact us toll-free at 1-877-866-3100 or by e-mail at ysbc_bowmanemployment.com. and provide us with the youth's name and telephone number and we will contact the youth to check eligibility.
How many youth may I hire through this program?
Employers may hire up to 3 youth through the YSBC program.
I do not have WCB coverage. How do I apply for it?
Contact WorkSafe BC directly for any inquiries on application or fees.
When do I receive the Hiring Incentive funds?
Funding agreements are generally 3 months in length with a payment at the end of each month. You will receive an installment after participating in a short telephone monitor regarding your placement, confirming minimum of 30 hours worked per week.
What happens if my new employee quits or has to be dismissed before my agreement ends?
Please notify our office immediately if the youth quits or has been terminated. The hiring incentive payment will be pro-rated based upon the number of days/hours the employee has worked.
How do I apply for the Supplementary Training Funds?
Employers apply for the Supplementary Training Funds by completing pages 3 & 4 of the program application.
Funding of up to $1,000 per youth will be available for training activities where a Supplementary Training Plan is approved and a Hiring Incentive Agreement has been signed .
What kind of training is eligible for the Supplementary Training Funds?
Please contact us for more information about the types of training that are eligible for funding.
