More topics

Single Parent Employment Initiative

Last updated on April 10, 2024

If you are a single parent receiving income or disability assistance, you may be eligible for training and support to secure a long-term job through the Single Parent Employment Initiative.

On this page:

Find out if you qualify for:

  • Up to two years of funded training or paid work experience
  • Continued income or disability assistance while in training
  • Childcare costs covered during your training or work placement and for the first year of employment
  • Transportation costs covered
  • WorkBC Employment Services Centre supports, including workshops on resume writing, interview and work preparation
  • Health supplement coverage for a full year after you leave income assistance for employment. This includes dental, optical and premium-free Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare programs
  • Exemptions for bursaries, grants and scholarships when you are in an approved training program

Photo of success story - Jessica

Eligibility

You may be eligible for the program if you are:

  1. A single parent
  2. Currently on income or disability assistance

To qualify for the funded training, you must have been on assistance for at least three months.

You may also be eligible if you already have a post-secondary degree but cannot find a job in your field. Your WorkBC Centre will work with you to help you find a job with your current skill set or help you develop a plan for further training if required.

Get started

Call or visit your local WorkBC Employment Services Centre to learn more. You can get answers to your questions about the services and supports that are available to you. A case manager will look at your interests, background and the local job market. Together you will map out the supports you need to find employment.

Types of job training

Examples of career training you could be eligible for include:

  • Early childhood education
  • Administration
  • Medical services
  • Construction and trades

The B.C. 2023 Labour Market Outlook and the WorkBC career explorer can help you with career planning. Some of the jobs listed may not qualify for funding as they need more than two years of training. Single parents may also be eligible for:

  • General Educational Development (GED®)
  • Work preparation courses, such as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) or WorkSafeBC training

Meet some of the participants in the Single Parent Employment Initiative.

Affordable Child Care Benefit

If you need child care during your training, apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit.

Apply online for the Affordable Child Care Benefit