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The Youth Skills BC Pilot Program (YSBC) offers employers a $2,000 incentive (for up to three employees at $2,000 each) to hire eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 29. Funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, the program – which runs until March 2012 – has been specifically created as easy-to-use for employers and employees. An additional training allowance of up to $1,000 is available should an employer wish to train a new hire through an accredited institution.

New hire criteria

• Aged 15 – 29
• Not currently receiving, or eligible for, EI and must not have received EI within the past 3 months; or 60 months for a parental claim
• Not a full-time student or returning to school
• Is a resident of B.C. and legally entitled to work in Canada
• Not participating in any other government-funded program

Employer criteria

• In business for a minimum of one year
• In good standing with WCB
• Must employ new hire for a minimum of three months and 30 hours/week
• Employers will not qualify if employee is hired prior to YSBC agreement signing

YSBC aims to provide the province’s youth with skills to succeed in the employment market.  Through a combination of training, work experience and formal skills development, the program hopes to address the province’s current and future skills shortage.
                                                                          
To learn more about the program and the application process, visit the YSBC website or call Susan Sambol at 604-466-1375 ext. 213. For the official press release, click here.