If you’re a young person in British Columbia looking for work experience, training, and paid support to get hired, the Employ for Youth (BC) program is designed for you. It combines paid skills training with hands-on job coaching over 12 weeks, helping youth aged 16–30 move into long-term employment.
This guide explains who can apply, how the application works, and what to expect once you’re accepted.
Employ for Youth (BC) is a federally funded youth employment program delivered by Community Futures organizations across British Columbia. The program helps you get job-ready, but does not pay for starting a business or for school tuition.
The program runs for 12 weeks and has two clear phases:
Weeks 1–4: Paid employability training
Weeks 5–12: Job coaching and employment transition
The goal is for participants to secure work that continues beyond the 12-week program.
During the training phase, participants may earn job-ready certifications, including:
These credentials help make you more competitive for entry-level and service-sector jobs across BC.
To apply for Employ for Youth (BC), you must meet all of the following criteria:
You are not eligible if:
Eligibility is assessed by the local Community Futures office delivering the program in your region.
The application process is straightforward but location-based.
Employ for Youth is delivered by Community Futures organizations throughout BC. Each office manages its own intake and schedule.
You’ll typically be asked to:
Some regions may require an intake interview to confirm fit and readiness.
If shortlisted, you may be invited to:
Acceptance depends on both eligibility and available program spaces.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether Employ for Youth (BC) and similar youth programs in BC fit your profile.
While Employ for Youth (BC) is youth-focused, employers may be eligible for wage reimbursement when hiring participants during the employment transition phase.
Details vary by region, but wage support can reduce hiring risk for employers willing to offer longer-term jobs.
Applying while enrolled in full-time school
Full-time students are not eligible, even during school breaks.
Missing local intake deadlines
Each Community Futures office runs its own cohorts. Applying late can mean waiting months.
Expecting guaranteed job placement
The program provides support and coaching, not automatic job offers.
Leaving before the 12 weeks are complete
Early withdrawal may affect your eligibility for certificates and employer connections.
Q: Is the Employ for Youth (BC) program paid?
Yes. Participants are paid minimum wage during the 4-week training portion of the program.
Q: How long is Employ for Youth (BC)?
The program runs for 12 weeks in total: 4 weeks of paid training and 8 weeks of job coaching and employment support.
Q: Can full-time students apply for Employ for Youth (BC)?
No. Individuals enrolled in full-time school are not eligible for this program.
Q: Is Employ for Youth (BC) a provincial or federal program?
It is federally funded but delivered locally in British Columbia through Community Futures offices.
Q: Do employers receive wage subsidies for hiring youth from the program?
In some cases, yes. Employers may apply for wage reimbursement during the employment transition phase, depending on regional availability.
After the FAQs:
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and employment programs across Canada — including youth training and wage subsidy programs — so you can quickly see which ones match your profile.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to contact your local Community Futures office and ask about upcoming Employ for Youth (BC) intakes. If you’re also exploring other youth employment or wage subsidy options, GrantHub can help you compare programs by age, province, and employment goals so you don’t miss better-fitting opportunities.
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