FAQ

How do I keep my contact information and résumé up-to-date with FutureWorks?

You can update your contact information or résumé online. Login through the portal and select the applicable section you would like to update. Please ensure that you upload your résumé in a .doc or .rtf format. Should you experience problems uploading your file, please email us at websupport@fwt.bc.ca

Is there a cost to the employer or applicant?

There is no cost to the eligible jobseeker or employer to participate in the ScienceLink wage subsidy program.

What types of positions qualify for the ScienceLink wage subsidy funding?

Full-time, permanent positions requiring science or technology skills, education or work experience are eligible for funding. Additionally, the employer must demonstrate the willingness to provide an eligible candidate with skills upgrading, work experience and / or any necessary coaching or mentoring required to perform the duties as per the job specification.

Must the employer offer a science or high-tech related position?

The ScienceLink program is applicable to any employer who is filling specifically science and high-tech related positions. For non-science and non-technical positions, please refer to the information under the JobFit program.

Can I be hired at a company that hires more than one person with the subsidy?

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 in two business days. Please note that to receive funding candidates must NOT start employment prior to signing a subsidy agreement.

Does FutureWorks and the ScienceLink program refer more than one person for a position with an employer?

Yes, we do refer more than one person to the employer. Our role is to provide the best possible matches to an employer based on skills, desired position and personal fit. The employer makes the final decision on who is hired.

Can I find my own employer?

Yes, you can find your own employer and then ask the employer to contact our office or if you prefer, you can call us and request a FutureWorks consultant to follow-up with the employer. We will ensure the employer understands the program and its requirements.

How is the subsidy calculated?

Each subsidy amount is based on the position being filled, the work experience plan, the existing skill set of the job applicant and the salary that has been offered. A FutureWorks consultant will negotiate the final dollar amount and wage subsidy duration with the employer.

Does the subsidy mean I get paid less then other employees working for the same employer who are not on a wage subsidy doing the same position?

No. The expectation is that employers pay industry standard wages for the position that is being subsidized. In addition to paying your full wages from your first day on the job, the employer must remit tax, CPP and EI in accordance with the BC Labour Standards Act. FutureWorks will refund the subsidy portion to the employer in instalments during the subsidy period.

How do I get paid?

The employer is hiring you from day one and will pay you the full wages on the same schedule as the other employees in the company. You must also receive your paystubs at regular intervals e.g. weekly, bi-weekly or semi-monthly.

Can I be subsidized if I go to work for an employer I worked for in the past?

No, FutureWorks cannot provide a subsidy to an individual who is re-hired by a previous employer to work in the same position.

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

FutureWorks and the ScienceLink program will provide subsidies for full-time ongoing positions. Where the contract position is for a period longer than one year and has the potential of being extended, we will consider subsidizing the position, provided the employer and the jobseeker can demonstrate that this position would enhance the individuals' skills and chances at long term attachment to the workforce.

How much paperwork is involved for the hiring company?

FutureWorks is responsible for the majority of the paperwork. We aim to keep paperwork to a minimum for employers, but online registration and the development of a Work Experience Plan is mandatory. A FutureWorks Consultant will assist the employer in the completion of both steps as and when required.

How many times is my résumé referred?

The number of times your résumé is sent out to employers is dependent on the number of requests we get from employers requesting candidates with your skill set. Providing us with as much information as possible about your skills and interests during your interview with a FutureWorks Consultant, as well as providing us with an updated résumé will help you get back to work faster.

Does a FutureWorks Consultant call me every time my resume is sent to an employer?

This cannot always be done, when job searching always be prepared for an employer to call and have a reliable messaging system. We also advise that you check your email on a regular basis to check for communication from a FutureWorks Consultant.

Is FutureWorks responsible for finding me a job?

We view the job searching process as a team effort. We will do our best to help you get back to work, but please keep on with your job search in other ways, too. The role of FutureWorks and FutureWorks Consultants is to assist you; ultimately the overall job search still remains your responsibility.