Hiring young workers in British Columbia can be challenging when budgets are tight. Wage subsidy programs in BC cover part of a youth employee’s wages. This makes it easier for employers to hire and train young people. One of the most practical options for BC employers is Get Youth Working!, which offers up to $3,600 per hire for eligible youth aged 16 to 29.
A youth wage subsidy in BC helps employers by reimbursing part of the wages paid to a young worker. This lowers the risk for employers and gives youth paid work experience.
In British Columbia, programs like Get Youth Working! are delivered by local organizations with federal funding. This program is popular among small and medium-sized businesses.
Get Youth Working! supports employers who hire and train eligible youth for long-term jobs.
Key details:
The subsidy is paid after the youth is hired and certain employment milestones are reached.
To use wage subsidies like Get Youth Working! in BC, your business must follow specific rules.
Your business must:
If you hire the youth before signing the funding agreement, you will not qualify for the subsidy.
The youth you hire must also fit program rules.
The youth must:
Many programs give priority to youth who face barriers to employment, but many young people can qualify.
Follow these steps to hire youth with the help of a wage subsidy like Get Youth Working!:
Check your eligibility
Make sure your business meets the age, location, and operating requirements.
Contact the program provider
Apply through the Get Youth Working! organization before you hire anyone.
Recruit an eligible youth
Find a youth candidate yourself or get help from the program’s employment services.
Sign the funding agreement
This step must happen before the youth starts working.
Hire and train the youth
Provide paid work for at least three months. Longer-term roles are preferred.
Receive the wage subsidy
You’ll get payments after meeting the agreed terms and employment period.
If you want to quickly check your eligibility for youth wage subsidies in BC, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help.
Hiring before approval
If the youth starts working before you sign the funding agreement, you will not get the subsidy.
Assuming part-time or seasonal work qualifies
These jobs are less likely to be approved. Focus on long-term, full-time positions.
Not being in good standing with WorkSafeBC
Your business must meet all WorkSafeBC requirements.
Not tracking employment dates
You must keep records to show the youth worked for at least three months.
Q: How much can I receive through Get Youth Working!?
Employers can get up to $3,600 per hire, depending on the job and how long the youth stays employed.
Q: Do I have to hire full-time youth employees?
Full-time, long-term jobs are preferred, especially if they last six months or more. The minimum is three months of paid work.
Q: Can I apply after I’ve already hired a youth?
No. You must sign the funding agreement before the youth starts work.
Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable?
Wage subsidies are usually counted as business income. Check with your accountant on how to report it.
Q: Is this program only for large companies?
No. Many small and medium-sized businesses in BC use these programs if they meet the requirements.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of wage subsidy and grant programs across Canada. You can use it to see which ones fit your business.
Youth wage subsidies in British Columbia can help your business save money and support young workers. If you want to find wage subsidy and youth hiring programs that match your needs, GrantHub lets you compare options and check eligibility for active programs in BC.
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