Wage Subsidies

What is a Wage Subsidy?

 

The Wage Subsidy program offers funding to connect employers with motivated workers as well as support job seekers that are entering the workplace, by offering employers funding to share the cost of on the job work experience. This service is available at NO COST to employers or job seekers.

 

What does the process look like?

 

Employers can contact an Employer Advisor at WorkBC and discuss the position requirements. We can then post the vacancy and see if we have any pre-qualified, suitable applicants we can send you. OR:

An employer can identify a potential candidate that does not have the complete skill set for the position and refer them to WorkBC to determine if that person is eligible for wage subsidy placement support. The subsidy incentive assists with training costs while the new employee gains the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your organization.

 

Job Seekers Eligibility

  • Unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week
  • Be in need of work experience to obtain an employment goal.

Employers Eligibility

  • Offer a full-time position (approximately 35 hours/week)
  • Have been in business for at least one year
  • Complete a signed agreement PRIOR to hiring an employee
  • Provide on-the-job training, support, and supervision as needed

How long can the Wage Subsidy Work Experience Placement last?

 

Wage Subsidies are to a maximum of 24 weeks.

 

What are the benefits?

  • Both workers and employers benefit from this service: the worker gains new skills and experience as well as employment, and the employer gains a trained employee, along with financial support to conduct the needed training.
  • You’re hiring an employee who is motivated to learn the knowledge and skills to do the job at a professional level
  • There’s a screening process in place to find the best fit between you and the employee, saving you time in the hiring process
  • You gain access to an employee pool that has many of the transferable skills that you need
  • One of our dedicated job developers is on hand to provide support and monitoring throughout the 24-week period should any issues arise

What are the Employer expectations? What else do I need to know?

  • Employers must be committed to training the employee for the position
  • The duration and rate of the wage will be directly related to the amount of training required for the employee to obtain the skills necessary to be successful in the position
  • You will issue regular paycheques on paydays; Work BC Merritt will reimburse the negotiated amount on a monthly basis
  • The employer makes the final hiring decision to accept or decline the client

How do I get started?

 

Call WorkBC Merritt at 250-378-5151, email info@merrittesc.ca  or drop in to speak to one of our friendly Employment Advisors!