Kootenay Wage Subsidy

Hiring solutions for you!  Simple!  Cost effective!

The Kootenay Wage Subsidy Program (KWS) helps in two ways:

• For employers, the reimbursement offsets costs incurred during the training period for a new employee.
• KWS also assists individuals who are the perfect fit but could benefit from on-the-job experience.

The Kootenay Wage Subsidy Program helps offset the cost of hiring a new employee by covering up to 50% of wage costs while a new worker is being trained. The Kootenay Wage Subsidy Program can also be tailored to help an employer accommodate a worker with a disability.

This program is funded by Employment and Labour Market Services (Government of BC).   Eligible individuals who would benefit from on-the-job work experience must either be on a current EI Regular benefits claim or have been on EI in the past 3 years (or 5 years for maternity or parental benefits).

The Nelson office of the Kootenay Wage Subsidy program provides services for employers in: Nelson, South Slocan, Slocan City, Kaslo, Crawford Bay, Boswell, Ainsworth, Balfour, and Ymir.

Employers will benefit by:

1. Reduce the hiring & training cost of a new employee.
2. Wages reimbursed up to 50% for up to 24 weeks
3. Minimal paperwork – we do the work!
4. Wages reimbursed every 2 weeks
5. Free job postings on our website and job board
6. On-going support for the duration of the contract

Employers qualify for KWS if they:

• Commit to providing ongoing, full-time employment for a new employee
• Pay employees a salary or hourly wage and make required payroll deductions
• Normally, have been in business for 1-3 years
• Negotiate the agreement with the KWS Coordinator prior to hiring
• Are a private, public, or non-profit organization

If you are an employer and feel you need assistance to hire a new employee, contact Kootenay Career Development Society to book an appointment with the Nelson and Area Wage Subsidy Program Coordinator.