*IMPORTANT* EI is based on your full-time attendance. Collecting EI benefits and working on the side is not allowed as the school is obligated to report your attendance and absence.

The Work BC Application and the 16-Digit Reference Code

WorkBC is the provincial part of your E.I. process. They cover what is called ‘extra support payments’ (travel allowance, additional living out expenses and/or childcare fees that you may incur).

NOTE: The college does not provide the 16-digit reference code. You have to request a 16-Digit Reference Code with WorkBC through their portal.

A Reference Code will be required for the E.I. claim and it confirms your apprentice status and therefore, negates you from having to do weekly E.I. reports.

STEP 1
Follow the instructions for “step one” (WorkBC and the Reference Code) here: 
WorkBC Apprentice Services | How to Apply – WorkBC Apprentice Services

The Service Canada Application

The online application takes approximately 40-50 minutes.

Choose ‘Regular Benefits’ and follow the prompts.

Documents required: (1) Record of Employment (or at least the information from it if your employer sends it electronically) and (2) the Reference Code

STEP 2
Follow the instructions for “step two” (Service Canada and the E.I. application) here: 
WorkBC Apprentice Services | How to Apply – WorkBC Apprentice Services

Contact Service Canada

Visit their website: Employment Insurance for apprentices – Canada.ca

Call the E.I. call centre as they are the experts at this number, more so than the staff at the in-person Service Canada Centres. E.I. call centre: Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218. Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time

You can request a call back from Service Canada by visiting this link: Home – E-service Canada.ca. There is a space to write some details of your questions, so they can research the issue before calling you back. You can specify a time range for the call back. They will call you back within 2 business days.

Contact WorkBC

If you wish to receive support with your WorkBC application and/or are having issues in obtaining your reference code, you can either call WorkBC Apprentice Services Financial Supports team at 1-844-428-4730 or send them a message directly through their WorkBC Apprentice Services Contact page.