Hiring Students in BC This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know

As summer approaches, employers across British Columbia are preparing to welcome high school and post-secondary students into seasonal roles. Whether you’re hiring to support operations, offer work experience, or simply meet demand, it’s an opportunity that comes with legal obligations - and the potential to create a lasting impression.

Here’s your guide to hiring student workers the right way under BC law.

1. Understand BC’s Legal Requirements

In British Columbia, student workers are covered under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the Workers Compensation Act, which includes occupational health and safety protections under WorkSafeBC.

Key requirements include:

• Minimum wage: As of June 1, 2025, the general minimum wage in BC is $17.95 per hour. BC does not have a separate student wage meaning young workers must be paid the same minimum as everyone else.

  
  

• Hours of work and rest: Students are entitled to required rest periods and must not work excessive hours. Employers must also ensure adequate time off between shifts.

  
  

• Health and safety: Employers are responsible for providing young and new worker orientation and training under WorkSafeBC regulations. This is especially important for students who may be entering a workplace for the first time.

  
  

  Tip: Review WorkSafeBC’s Young Worker Toolkit to ensure your onboarding meets regulatory requirements.

2. Recognize the Power Dynamic

Student workers are often eager to please - and hesitant to speak up. That makes them more vulnerable to unsafe work conditions or unprofessional treatment.

Support student success by:

• Providing clear job descriptions and expectations from day one

• Assigning a mentor or go-to supervisor who is approachable

• Creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is free from condescension, microaggressions or assumptions

This is about more than good management. It’s a risk mitigation strategy that also protects your employer brand.

3. Make It a Meaningful Experience

First jobs matter. What a student learns from your workplace - about professionalism, collaboration and respect - can stay with them for years.

You can make a real impact by:

• Giving insight into your industry or organizational purpose

• Offering informal mentorship and regular check-ins

• Recognizing their contributions, no matter how small

Students who feel seen and supported are more likely to return, refer others or even join your team in a permanent role later on.

4. Be Intentional and Compliant

Hiring students isn’t a shortcut. It’s a high-responsibility hire that requires intentional planning and full compliance with BC employment law.

Be sure to:

• Provide proper onboarding and orientation, including safety protocols

• Register with WorkSafeBC and ensure student employees are covered

• Use written contracts or letters of offer, even for short-term roles

• Ensure all your workplace policies, including harassment prevention, safety and conduct, apply to student hires as well

Final Thoughts

Bringing students on board this summer isn’t just a staffing solution - it’s an investment in the future workforce and a chance to showcase your organization’s values. When done right, it can build loyalty, boost your reputation and create long-term talent pathways.

Need support with student hiring?

We offer:

• Student-friendly onboarding templates

• Legal compliance checklists tailored to BC

• Mentorship tools and guides

• Summer employment agreement templates

Let’s make this summer a win - for your team and for BC’s next generation of workers. Reach out today to get started.