Hiring young workers can be costly, especially for small businesses that need time to train new staff. The Get Youth Working! wage subsidy helps offset those costs by offering up to $3,600 per hire for eligible employers who provide meaningful, long-term jobs to youth aged 16–29. If you operate in British Columbia and plan to grow your team, this program can reduce your wage bill while supporting youth employment.
Get Youth Working! is a youth employment program delivered in British Columbia by service providers such as Bowman Employment Services Inc. The program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, making it a federally funded initiative delivered at the provincial level.
The program combines employment counselling and training for youth with a negotiated wage subsidy for employers who hire them.
The subsidy is typically paid after employment milestones are met, not as an upfront grant.
To qualify for the Get Youth Working! wage subsidy, your business must:
If you hire the youth before the funding agreement is signed, the wage subsidy will not apply.
The youth you hire must:
The youth is typically referred to you through the program rather than hired independently.
The application process is more hands-on than a standard online grant form. Here’s how it works in practice.
Start by reaching out through the official program website or a participating service provider. They assess whether your business and job role are a good fit.
You’ll discuss:
This step determines whether a wage subsidy will be offered and at what amount.
The program helps match you with a qualified youth candidate who meets eligibility rules. In some cases, you may propose a candidate, but approval must come before hiring.
This is a critical step. The funding agreement must be signed before the youth’s start date. It outlines payment terms, reporting requirements, and employment duration.
Once the youth starts work, you’ll:
After milestones are met, the wage subsidy is issued according to the agreement.
If you are interested in other wage subsidy programs, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find similar options by province and hiring needs.
Hiring before approval
If the youth is hired before the funding agreement is signed, the subsidy is void.
Assuming all youth qualify
Age alone is not enough. The youth must meet program-specific criteria.
Offering short-term or seasonal work
Roles under three months or seasonal jobs are unlikely to be approved.
Missing reporting requirements
Incomplete payroll or progress reports can delay or cancel payments.
Q: How much is the Get Youth Working! wage subsidy?
Employers can receive up to $3,600 per hire, depending on the negotiated agreement and job duration.
Q: Is Get Youth Working! a federal or provincial program?
The program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement and delivered in British Columbia by local service providers.
Q: Do jobs have to be full-time?
Full-time, long-term jobs are preferred. The minimum requirement is three months, with stronger applications offering six months or more.
Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable?
Yes. Wage subsidies are generally considered business income. Confirm treatment with your accountant.
Q: Can I apply if my business is less than one year old?
No. Employers must have been operating for at least one year to qualify.
The Get Youth Working! wage subsidy is a practical way to reduce hiring costs while building your future workforce. To make the most of this opportunity:
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada. Use it to find programs that match your business profile and hiring plans.
See also: Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences, How to fund summer student hires and youth employment programs in Canada, and Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.