NEWS

What is the NEWS Program?
The NEWS program is designed to assist unemployed people who are having difficulty finding full-time work due to a lack of skills or work experience. It does this by providing temporary wage subsidies to employers who hire and train eligible program candidates.

Who is eligible?
Unemployed individuals either receiving EI or who have had a claim in the last three years (five years for maternity/parental claims), who are on an active job search and who lack skills for their employment goal. Participants must reside in our service area and may not be participating in other funded programs such as GT Hiring Solutions.

How do I connect with NEWS?
Clients are referred to program by a Career Advisor at an EAS Service Provider (NIEFS, The Opportunity Zone or The Job Shop). The Career Advisor will send a completed Application form, a Return-to-Work Action Plan (RTWAP), an Eligibility form and a current resume to NEWS. After the NEWS Service Coordinator has completed the Eligibility Check with HRSDC, they will connect with the client to set up an intake appointment. At the intake appointment, the Service Coordinator will explain program.

Who is a suitable employer?

• A legal business, usually located from Mud Bay north on Vancouver Island. Under some circumstances we may be able to work with an out-of-area employer.
• The business must have been operating for at least one year.
• The position must normally be full-time, unless you and your Career Advisor have identified the need for part-time work on your action plan.
• The position must be ongoing after the subsidy ends.
• The employer cannot have any employees on lay-off from the position the client is being hired for.
• The potential employee cannot be a relative of the owner or any manager of the company.
• The potential employee cannot have been previously employed by the business.

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact the NEWS Service Coordinator in your area.

Comox Valley: Janet Hansen (250) 703-0277
Campbell River, Sayward, Gold River: Kathie Landry (250) 287-3557
North Island: Kelly at the Opportunity Zone (250) 949-5736