Employability Supports

Effective: July 1, 2026

WorkBC Centres offer free employment services for anyone looking for work. They provide a welcoming, safe and accessible environment, with flexible services tailored to individual needs. A person can use self-serve tools or work one-on-one with a staff member.

Services may include:

• Job search information and resources
• Personalized career support
• Skills training
• Work experience opportunities
• On-the-job support

WorkBC Centre services are available to people who are unemployed, in unstable or temporary jobs, or in roles that do not match their skills or experience.

If a person is not yet ready to look for work, WorkBC employment readiness services are available.

These services help build the skills, confidence and stability needed to move toward employment. Support is based on individual needs and may include:

• Help setting goals and making a plan
• Support to build life and workplace skills
• Connections to community services
• Help to address barriers to employment

The ministry may refer recipients to WorkBC unless they meet ministry non-referral criteria. Those who are not referred are encouraged to connect with their local WorkBC Centre for valuable services such as training, skills development and employment support.

Effective:  September 1, 2024

The ministry will identify recipients with an Employability Plan for formal referral to WorkBC or an Indigenous Skills Employment Training (ISET) service provider during the employability planning process. Recipients who self-identify as Indigenous can choose to be referred to ISET and/or WorkBC.

Recipients may be eligible for some WorkBC supports in addition to WorkBC self-serve services without being case managed by WorkBC. These may include financial or other supports for starting employment, (e.g., short-term certificate courses required as a condition of employment for a confirmed job.

For more information on WorkBC financial supports for recipients with confirmed job offers, review the Confirmed Job Supplement topic.

Effective:  September 1, 2024

For most recipients, WorkBC will assist them in obtaining meaningful employment. For some recipients, achieving employment may be a long-term goal. These recipients can be supported to achieve community attachment when they are not yet ready or able to work. Community attachment can be a volunteer placement or a referral to other community services that directly improves their level of employment readiness. Recipients who achieve a community attachment outcome will also be encouraged to return to WorkBC employment and skills training services as soon as they are ready and able to work towards labour market attachment.

Effective: November 4, 2021

Single Parent Employment Initiative (SPEI)

The SPEI can provide single parents up to 2 years of training for an in-demand job. Eligibility for the program is assessed by WorkBC. The program is available to sole recipients with dependent children and sole recipients who provide care for supported children, when the family unit has been on income assistance, hardship assistance, or disability assistance for at least the last 3 consecutive calendar months (unless exceptional circumstances exist). Once a recipient is approved by WorkBC to attend training as part of SPEI, they are eligible to remain on income assistance or disability assistance during their program of study. The recipient must sign a new Employability Plan to reflect their approved participation in training.

Single parents who divide guardianship equally (50/50) with the other parent are able to participate in SPEI. Single parents who are eligible for Shared Parenting Assistance are also eligible for SPEI.

To learn more, review the Sharing Parenting Assistance policy in the Family Composition topic.

Recipients who meet all other eligibility criteria may be exempt from the 3 month requirement if rare and exceptional circumstances have prevented them from being on assistance.

Examples of cases eligible for the exemption:

Case 1: A single parent who has been receiving income assistance from January to September. The parent then fled an abusive relationship and as a result did not receive assistance for October and November. After being determined eligible for income assistance in December, the single parent was referred to WorkBC and training was determined as the best approach to employment. In this case an exemption would be approved for the single parent to start training in January as they do not meet the 3 month criteria due to fleeing abuse.

Case 2: A single parent came on assistance in January after separation from their spouse. The single parent had been out of the labour market for many years. In February, they left assistance to go to Alberta to seek medical care for a sick child.  In March the single parent returned to BC and was in receipt of income assistance. The single parent was referred to WorkBC and training was determined as the best approach to employment. In this case, an exemption could be approved for the single parent to start school in April as they do not meet the 3 month criteria due to an urgent medical need.

Examples of cases not eligible for the exemption:

Case 1: A single parent has completed 3 years of a 4 year post-secondary degree. This person hears about the SPEI and decides to apply for income assistance. They become eligible for assistance in August, and they would like to start their 4th year in September. WorkBC agrees that this program is a good fit for the recipient. This recipient is not eligible for an exemption to the 3 month criteria as exceptional circumstances do not exist. The parent would be advised of other funding options including Student Financial Assistance.

Case 2: A single parent quit their job as server in January and applied for assistance. When referred to WorkBC in February, the recipient requests approval through SPEI to obtain training as a daycare provider. This recipient is not eligible for an exemption to the 3 month criteria as exceptional circumstances do not exist. WorkBC would continue to work with this recipient to find employment.

Effective:  September 1, 2024

Several non-ministry funded employment programs and services may be available to recipients eligible for BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA). This topic summarizes major programs and services currently offered through federal and provincial government partners.

The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) administers employment programs and services through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement (WDA). This includes:

• Skills Training for Employment program to help people obtain sustainable jobs
• SkilledTradesBC Pre-Apprenticeship trades training for Indigenous people and other equity-deserving groups
• The BladeRunners program for young adults facing barriers to employment and
• The Community Workforce Response Grant program serving local workforce needs.

BCEA recipients are eligible to access WDA programming. For more information about each employment program or service, review the Additional Resources.

The federal government also funds employment programming under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program, the Opportunities Fund, and the Youth Employment Strategy.  

Effective: September 1, 2024

The ministry will identify recipients with an Employability Plan for formal referral to WorkBC or an Indigenous Skills Employment Training (ISET) service provider during the employability planning process. Recipients who self-identify as Indigenous can choose to be referred to ISET and/or WorkBC.

All post-secondary education, trades or training requires ministry pre-approval before you start. To learn more, review the Education and Training topic.

Effective: September 1, 2024

Indigenous Skills Employment Training (ISET)

The ISET program is designed to help Indigenous people prepare for and find sustainable jobs. All individuals who self-identify as Indigenous, regardless of status or location, may access ISET programs and services, which include culturally relevant services similar to WorkBC. Recipients identified for formal referral to WorkBC may choose whether to receive services from WorkBC, ISET or both. If a recipient wants to receive services through ISET, they can contact a ISET service provider.

All Indigenous recipients participating in or receiving supports from ISET-approved programs retain their employability plan conditions.

For students attending post-secondary school, review Education and Training for more information.

Opportunities fund for Persons with Disabilities

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities is administered by Service Canada. This program funds projects that assist persons with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and keeping employment or becoming self-employed. To be eligible as a participant, it is not a requirement that an individual have the Persons with Disability (PWD) designation under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act. Unemployed individuals who are legally entitled to work in Canada and who self-identify as having a disability may be eligible to participate in a project. 

The fund may support an array of activities, such as encouraging employers to hire workers with disabilities, increasing the employment skills of persons with disabilities, providing work experience, and assisting individuals with starting their own businesses. Funds may be available to participants to assist with approved costs relating to their participation in funded projects.

Youth employment and skills strategy

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) consists of two programs:

1. The YESS program provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help youth (aged 15 to 30) overcome barriers to employment. It supports a flexible approach that offers services tailored to each individual youth to gain the skills and experience that they need to find and keep good, quality jobs. Supports can include mentorship, wrap-around services (for example, dependent care support, mental-health counselling) and paid work experiences.
2. Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer employment opportunities for young Canadians aged 15 to 30.

Effective: July 1, 2026

Apprenticeship training

Apprenticeship training in B.C. comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and is administered by SkilledTradesBC. WorkBC Apprentice Services provides financial supports to individuals participating in the classroom component of their apprenticeship training. Recipients interested in apprenticeships should contact SkilledTradesBC for more information or inquire at their local WorkBC Centre.

BladeRunners

BladeRunners provides free life skills, job readiness skills, work experience, on-the-job training, job coaching and ongoing supports to unemployed or precariously employed young adults. The BladeRunners programs are delivered throughout B.C. and provide a variety of skills training options.

Programs support young adults aged 15 to 30 who face multiple barriers to employment, providing employment-related training and support such as:

• Job readiness skills
• Certification courses (e.g., WHMIS, WCB Awareness, First Aid Level 1)
• Job coaching and support seven days a week, 24 hours a day
• Workplace communication skills
• Job placement opportunities
• Life skills training

For more information, review the BladeRunners webpage.

Community Workforce Response Grant

The Community Workforce Response Grant provides flexible and timely responses to address workforce challenges due to changing local economic conditions, emerging priorities or unexpected natural disasters.

The grant funds cohort-based skills training that helps people get the skills they need to find and keep a job in their community. Grant funding pays for training and other supports, such as child care, transportation, special equipment and employment services.

Participants have found careers in high-demand fields such as health care, the trades and early childhood education.

For more information, review the Community Workforce Response Grant webpage.

Indigenous Skills Training and Education (ISTE) Program

The Indigenous Skills Training and Education (ISTE) program provides access to funding to support the self-determined design and delivery of skills training, post-secondary education and employment programs that address the unique needs and circumstances of Indigenous communities. These partnerships help meet the workforce and economic priorities of Indigenous people by funding community-led programs, services and supports required to upgrade skills, obtain credentials, access post-secondary education, secure employment and grow local economies which improves socioeconomic outcomes for people and communities and contributes to lasting and meaningful reconciliation.

For more information, email PSFS.IndigenousPrograms@gov.bc.ca.

Skills Training for Employment

Delivered by training providers throughout B.C., the Skills Training for Employment Program helps people build the skills, experience and confidence needed to move into sustainable employment, particularly in areas with strong labour market demand.

This program is open to unemployed or precariously employed people living in British Columbia who need additional support to prepare for, enter or re-enter the labour market. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the program and the specific training and services offered.

SkilledTradesBC Pre-Apprenticeship Trades Training for Underrepresented Groups

SkilledTradesBC partners with several service providers, training providers, and Indigenous organizations across B.C. to deliver skills development and employment programs focused on meeting the needs of underrepresented groups in the skilled trades, including women, Indigenous peoples, and other equity-deserving groups through funds from the Government of Canada and British Columbia. 

The programs provide various individualized and group services and supports, hands-on trades exploration training, entry-level (pre-apprenticeship) trades technical training, industry recognized certification training, mentorship, job coaching and employment placement services.

For more information, review SkilledTradesBC Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

 

Effective: July 1, 2025

The Self-Employment Program (SEP) provides business-related deductions and exemptions for eligible BC Employment Assistance (BCEA) clients who have a Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation, spouses of PWD recipients and persons with persistent multiple barriers (PPMB) to employment who operate a self-employment business.

SEP allows certain business expenses and assets to be exempt when determining earnings and eligibility for income or disability assistance.  The deductions and exemptions support a range of self-employment options, including seasonal, part-time and full time businesses, including businesses with loans.

Eligible recipients with an existing business may qualify for SEP.  Recipients interested in starting a business can access self-employment services provided by WorkBC toward becoming financially independent and may also quality for SEP.

SEP is available only to eligible recipients with an existing self-employment business and is separate from self-employment services provided by WorkBC. Approval for SEP allows eligible recipients to use the business deductions and exemptions set out in the regulations.

Effective: July 1, 2025

The Self-Employment Program (SEP) business deductions and exemptions are intended to: 

• Support eligible recipients with a Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation or those with persistent multiple barriers to employment (PPMB) who are self employed
• Help recipients increase their independence, and improve their quality of life through self-employment
• Encourage recipients to pursue self-employment opportunities that match careers that suit their capacity

Effective: July 1, 2025

The Self-Employment Program (SEP) includes:

• Application process helps recipients understand:
  • The information is required to apply
  • Eligible business deductions and exemptions
  • Cash reserve limits
  • Reporting requirements and responsibilities
  • Business plan requirements, where applicable

 

Recipients who have not yet started a business are encouraged to explore self-employment services through WorkBC.

• Business deductions and exemptions: recipients approved for SEP can use eligible business deductions and exemptions when determining their monthly eligibility for income or disability assistance.

Effective: July 1, 2025

To qualify for Self-Employment Program (SEP) business deductions and exemptions, recipients must:

• Be a recipient of income or disability assistance and be:
  • A Person with Disabilities (PWD)
  • The spouse of a PWD client, or
  • A person with persistent multiple barriers (PPMB) to employment; and
• Operate a launched, non-incorporated self-employment business

Recipients may continue to receive SEP business deductions and exemptions as long as they:

• Eligible for income or disability assistance
• Continue to meet SEP eligibility critieria and  arequirements
• Comply with SEP requirements set out in the regulations

Note: Disability assistance recipients and receipients with PPMB status who receive Self-Employment Program (SEP) business deductions and exemptions are not required to have an Employability Plan (EP).

Effective: June 30, 2008

For Self-Employment Program (SEP) purposes, a business is considered “launched” when: 

• The business plan, if required, has been accepted by the ministry
• The SEP Questionnaire and Acceptance of Terms (HR3258) has been completed as required
• The recipient is operating the business

Recipients who have limited business experience may be encouraged to access WorkBC self-employment services. Where appropriate, WorkBC may assess whether the recipient and their business idea are suitable for WorkBC self-employment services and whether the business is likely to be viable.

Effective: July 1, 2025

Principal operator

In a PWD or PPMB family unit, the main person running a self-employment business may be:

• The recipient with the PWD designation
• The recipient with PPMB status
• The non-PWD spouse of a PWD recipient
• Both the PWD recipient and their spouse as co-principal operators

Additional requirements:

• If only one adult has PPMB status, both adults cannot be co-principal operators
• If both adults have PPMB status, they may be co-principal operators
• A non-PPMB spouse of a PPMB recipient cannot start a business under SEP and receive SEP business deductions and exemptions

Employees

Non-PWD family members, including spouses, may work in the self-employment business as employees and receive wages for their work. These earnings must be reported on the Monthly Report (HR0081).

Note:

• Gross wages paid to the principal operator or any family member are not eligible business expenses
• The family’s earnings exemption will be applied to reported wages.  Any remaining amount will be deducted from their assistance

Effective: July 1, 2025

A business plan may be required for Self-Employment Program (SEP) business deductions and exemptions.

A business plan is generally required when a recipient:

• Is starting a new business
• Has a business loan
• Requires additional funding for business assets such as equipment, inventory, or renovations

A business plan may not be required if:

• Health related barriers make completing a business plan difficult
• The business idea is simple and requires minimal assets (e.g., making crafts for seasonal sales)
• The business operates occasionally or seasonally (e.g., selling wooden toys at Christmas fairs)
• The client already has an established business

Even when a full business plan is not required, the ministry may still ask for a brief description of the business and the recipient’s goals.  When required, a business plan must be submitted and approved before SEP business deductions and exemptions can be authorized.

Business plan requirements

A business plan can be simple or detailed, depending on the size and complexity of the business.

To be accepted, a business plan must include:

• A description of the business including products made, services offered, and customers targeted
• When the business is expected to become profitable
• Expected monthly income and expenses
• Any assets, inventory, loans or renovations needed to operate the business

 

Effective: July 1, 2025

The ministry will approve business deductions and exemptions that allow certain business expenses and assets to be excluded when determining earnings and eligibility for income or disability assistance. Limits apply to the total value of business assets and loans allowed under SEP. Amounts that exceed the regulatory limits may be approved if they are supported by the business plan and authorized by ministry staff.

When reporting business income, approved business deductions and exemptions are applied to the gross revenue to calculate the net income earned. Recipients participating in SEP business deductions and exemptions may also qualify for their family unit’s s earnings exemption. 

Allowable SEP business deductions and exemptions may include:

• Operating expenses such as supplies, accounting, advertising, taxes, insurance, equipment maintenance, employee wages (excluding the business owner and their family), vehicle expenses, Employment Insurance (EI) or Workers’ Compensation Benefits (WCB), contributions to EI, WCB, or Canada Pension Plan (CPP), rent and utilities (except for the family home unless costs increase due to the business), office expenses, equipment purchases or rentals, and loan payments.
• Business cash accounts for paying operating expenses, up to the limits set in regulations
• Home renovations approved in the business plan and required for the self-employment business

Note: Fees, include commissions charged against short-term, occasional earnings such as agent commissions, may be considered allowable expenses.  Commissions earned as income are not considered and allowable deduction.

Effective: July 1, 2025

Reporting forms

Recipients receiving SEP business deductions and exemptions must submit the following each month: 

• Monthly Report (HR0081) signed by the recipient with the following attached:
  • SEP Income and Exemptions (HR2988) signed by the client
  • Supporting documentation (verification of business income and expenses)

Recipients are encouraged to use:

• SEP Income Tracking Sheet (HR3986), or
• SEP Monthly Deductions Tracking Sheet (HR3987).  

Reporting timeline

SEP recipients must report their earnings from the previous month by the fifth of each month.

Missing Information or reports

If information is missing, incomplete, or requires clarification, the ministry will contact the recipient.  If the required information is not provided, assistance payments may be delayed until the issue is resolved.

If a SEP recipient does not provide the required information, forms, or supporting documents, they will not be eligible for SEP business deductions and exemptions for that reporting month and must report their gross business income.

Recipients may choose to stop receiving SEP business deductions and exemptions at any time. If they do, they must report their gross business income each month by the fifth day of the following month.

 

Effective: July 1, 2026

Individuals that are interested in accessing WorkBC or ISET programs should review the Education and Training topic first for more information.

Individuals can then self refer to:

WorkBC:

• Online by finding a local WorkBC Centres
• Phone: 1-877-952-6914

Indigenous Skills Employment Training (ISET)

• Online by finding a local ISET service provider

Effective: July 1, 2025

If you are interested in the Self-Employment Program (SEP) business deductions and exemptions and have not yet started your business, you should contact WorkBC to learn about available self-employment services and supports. WorkBC may be able to help the individual achieve their goal of launching a self-employment business.

You can apply for SEP by:

• Telephone: toll free at 1-866-866-0800
• In person: visiting a Service BC or an income assistance office

When you apply, you will be asked for information about your business, including:

• Whether your business is incorporated
• Whether you have a separate business bank account
• Whether your business has started earning income
• Whether you have any business loans
• The estimated value of your business assets
• Your preferred method of contact
• The best time to contact you

The ministry will review your application and may ask for additional information.  You may be asked to complete the SEP Questionnaire and Acceptance of Terms (HR3258) and provide information about your business, such as:

• A description of your business activities
• Estimated income and expenses
• Business assets and liabilities
• Inventory levels
• A business plan, if required

Effective: January 19, 2015

The ministry will explain the SEP business deductions and exemptions available to you, including exemptions to earned income that may apply.

SEP deductions and exemptions limits include:

deductions or exemptions	Amount
Cash in an account reserved for operating expenses	Maximum $5,000
Approved home renovation expenses related to your business	Maximum $5,000
Exemption limit for combined value of business assets (including equipment, inventory, and supplies) and loans	Maximum $50,000

Effective: July 1, 2025

The ministry may review your business to verify information and determine whether you continue to qualify for SEP business deductions and exemptions.

You may be asked to participate in a business review if:

• Your business income has increased significantly since your last review (e.g., gross income increased by 50% or more since the last report) or your monthly gross income is $2000 or more.
• The total value of the client's business assets exceeds $25,000. Business assets may include:
  • business cash reserve account (up to $5000),
  • inventory,
  • unspent business loans funds, and
  • equipment, tools and other business assets
• The business deductions you report exceed 25% of your gross self-employment income. Receipts may be requested to verify deductions.
• Additional information is needed to verify your income, expenses, assets or liabilities

If a business review is required, you may be asked to provide updated information or documents about your business, such as receipts, bank statements, financial records, or other supporting documentation.