A program that offers BC businesses financial incentives to defray the cost of hiring young people has been extended to March 31, 2014.

The Get Youth Working! Program offers employers a $2,800 hiring incentive (up to three employees at $2,800 each) to hire eligible youth 15 to 29 years of age. Additionally, employers may request up to $1,000 to offset training costs. The program is funded under the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Agreement.

“In the past two years, the Get Youth Working program has helped more than 1,970 young British Columbians obtain employment and receive on-the-job training and third-party training,” said Susan Sambol, director of marketing and communications for Bowman Employment Service, which delivers the program.

“With the extended funding, the program will assist an additional 1,153 BC youth in the next year. BC youth are gaining experience and new skills necessary to be successful in today’s job market and in the future.”

Employer Criteria

• In operation for at least one year
• In good standing with WorkSafeBC
• Must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months
• Must employ youth for a minimum of 30 hours per week
• Employers will not qualify if employee is hired prior to signing a Get Youth Working! Funding Agreement

Youth Criteria

• Unemployed, 15 to 29 years of age
• Not currently receiving or eligible for EI and have not received EI in the past 36 months or 60 months for a parental claim
• Not a full-time student, enrolled in high school or returning to school
• Not a participant in another LMA-funded program
• Resident of BC and legally entitled to work in Canada

Additional details about the program are available at www.getyouthworking.ca or call toll-free at 877.866.3100.