Resources, programs, and supports to help employers recruit, hire, and retain workers in B.C.’s agriculture, fish and food sector.
Employers
Employee resources
- Youth Employment and Skills Program – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- The Youth Employment and Skills Program provides a wage subsidy to employers who hire youth aged 15-30 for agricultural jobs. The program offers support for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000
- Canada Summer Jobs
- Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to support employers to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years
- Growing Opportunities – CAHRC
- The Growing Opportunities Program provides wage subsidies to support employers offering Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements to post-secondary students in the agriculture sector. Eligible employers may receive up to 50% of wages, to a maximum of $5,000 per student placement
- Wage Subsidy Program – WorkBC
- The Wage Subsidy program matches WorkBC clients who require on-the-job training and work experience with employers who can offer support, supervision and training to their new employee. The temporary subsidy covers a part of employee wages in exchange for coaching and on-the-job training
- Student Summer Farm, Food, and Fisheries Bursary – IAF
- Full-time students employed in BC agriculture, food, beverage or seafood processing, fishing and aquaculture sectors during the summer season are eligible to apply for a bursary of up to $3,000
Employer resources
- BC HR Toolkit
- BC employers register to gain free access to practical resources, ready-to-use templates, and clear step-by-step guidance for hiring and managing employees effectively.
- BC Food and Beverage Growth Hub
- Professional development platform for food and beverage leaders and their teams. Access in-person and on-demand resources at no cost.
- WorkBC Employer Resources
- Employer supports and resources to help recruit, train, and retain employees, including hiring incentives and workforce planning tools.
- Employment laws & regulations
- Key employment standards employers need to know in B.C.:
Health and safety resources
- Home | AgSafe BC
- Agriculture‑specific safety training, resources, and programs to support safe and healthy farm and food workplaces
- For employers – WorkSafeBC
- Workplace health and safety requirements, tools, and resources to help employers meet safety obligations and prevent injuries
- HelpStartsHere
- B.C. mental health and substance use supports
Temporary foreign worker support and information
- Register to Hire Temporary Foreign Workers
- Information and links for Temporary Foreign Worker streams
- Western Agriculture Labour Initiative
- Resources for farmers and Temporary Foreign Workers