FAQ

Is there a cost to the employer or applicant?

There are no costs to the employer or applicant for this provincial government sponsored program.

Which wage subsidy program is applicable to my company?

The ScienceLink program is available to employers who are filling science and high-tech positions. For non-science and non-technical positions funding will be provided under the JobFit program.

Can I hire more than one person and access multiple subsidies?

This is handled on a case-by-case basis, but there are no restrictions to the number of subsidies a company can have.

How long does the process of writing a subsidy contract and having all the paperwork in place take?

FutureWorks endeavours to have contracts and paperwork ready to sign within two (2) business days. Please note that to be eligible to receive funding, candidates are NOT allowed to commence employment prior to the approval and signing of a subsidy agreement.

Does FutureWorks pre-screen referred applicants?

All applicants have been interviewed by FutureWorks core staff members. During the interview we aim to establish a better understanding of their skills profile, desired position and industry experience and / or preference. All referred candidates are eligible for wage subsidy funding.

Can I find my own candidate?

Companies can find their own candidates, but the potential employee must be eligible and must apply through the respective ScienceLink or JobFit program. Please contact a FutureWorks Consultant once you have identified an eligible candidate.

How do I determine which referral is best for the position I am trying to fill?

FutureWorks staff will find candidates best suited to the positions you are recruiting for. Your company and hiring staff are responsible for screening the applicants, interviewing and conducting reference checks.

How is the subsidy calculated?

Each subsidy amount is calculated based on the job description, the required Work Experience Plan developed by the employer, as well as the salary of the applicant. All this information is required before the subsidy can be calculated.

Does the subsidy mean I pay less to the employee and FutureWorks tops up the salary?

No. Employers are responsible for paying the new employee the full wage at regular intervals and must remit tax, CPP and EI in accordance to the BC Labour Standards Act. FutureWorks will pay the subsidy amount back to the employer in pre-determined instalments throughout the subsidy period.

When do I get my subsidy cheque?

Subsidy contracts are monitored on a regular basis. Pay-claims are usually processed on a bi-monthly basis and the cheques mailed out to an employer within two weeks of FutureWorks processing the paperwork.

I have discovered that I have an eligible employee currently working for my company, can I access a subsidy for them?

No. FutureWorks cannot provide a subsidy to individuals who are currently employed.

Can I get a subsidy for part-time and contract positions?

FutureWorks' wage subsidy programs will only provide funding for full-time, ongoing positions. We are able to refer applicants for part-time and contract positions, but no subsidy will be provided.

How much paperwork is involved for the hiring company?

FutureWorks is responsible for the majority of the paperwork. The employer must complete an application and must provide a Work Experience Plan specific to each position and new employee. FutureWorks will provide an outline to assist in creating the Work Experience Plan.