Detailed Application Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions to Apply for WorkBC Services

These instructions will take you through applying for WorkBC Services, setting up your OES profile, and registering for the Virtual WorkBC Center step-by-step. If you need help at any time during the registration process, call us at 1-250-748-9880. Our staff will be happy to assist you!

Back to the Basic Instructions

Step 1: Register for WorkBC Services

  1. Click Here to visit apply.workbc.ca (https://apply.workbc.ca/)

    When you click the link above, a new Window or Tab will open and take you to apply.workbc.ca.

    Follow the below instructions below on the workbc.ca tab or window that just opened.

  2. Click the "Create an account" Button.

    On the "Welcome to Online Employment Services" page, click "Create an account".

    Create OES account screen shot
  3. What type of services are you applying for?

    You'll see 5 different options. Choose the option you're most interested in. (Circle 1)

    If you're unsure, choose "WorkBC Employment Services".

    Click the Continue button. (Circle 2)

    Service selection screen shot
  4. Please select your WorkBC Centre

    In the "Community" dropdown, select "Duncan" and click "Search". (Circle 1)

    Both Duncan and Ladysmith WorkBC Centres will appear. Click "Continue with this Centre" on the WorkBC Centre you want to apply to. (Circle 2)

    Duncan serves all communities in North Cowichan (Crofton, Chemainus, Maple Bay and Cowichan Bay) and South Cowichan (Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill).

    Ladysmith serves all of Ladysmith, including Saltair and Gulf Islands (Valdes, Thetis and Penelakut).

    Select your WorkBC Centre screen shot
  5. WorkBC Employment Services

    Scroll past the section titled "WorkBC Employment Services" and click "Start" at the bottom.

    Start your WorkBC Application screen shot
  6. Your consent is required

    After clicking "Start" you will be asked to agree to the Terms and Conditions of service.

    Review the Terms and Conditions, check the "I Agree to the Terms and Conditions" checkbox, and click "Continue".

  7. Do you currently have a BCeID?

    A BCeID is an online government account unique to British Columbia. It is used across many government services. You'll need a BCeID to sign in to Online Employment Services and receive WorkBC Services.

    If you've accessed government services before, including Incoming Assistance (IA), you will already have a BCeID. We suggest choosing "Yes" if you know your BCeID login information, and "Not Sure" if you think you might have had a BCeID before (you'll be guided through registering for one if it turns out you don't!). Choose "No" only if you are certain you've never had a BCeID in the past.

    Select one of the 3 options on this page:

    Yes: You have a BCeID and know your login.

    No: You are sure you don't have a BCeID and need to register for one.

    Not Sure: You might have a BCeID and would like help finding it.

    Follow the directions in #8 below depending on which option you chose.

    BCeID Option screen shot
  8. Creating, Finding, or Logging into your BCeID

    Each of the 3 sections below provides specific instructions based on your previous choice of Yes, No, or Not Sure. Follow only the one section below that applies to your choice.

    Choose Yes and click "Continue". You'll be taken to the BCeID Login page.

    BCeID Login screen shot

    Login with your BCeID. If you forgot your password or User ID click the "Forgot your user ID or password" link and follow the instructions. You'll need access to the email address associated with your BCeID and know the answers to your security questions to reset your password or retrieve your BCeID User ID.

    Continue to #9 below once you're logged in to your BCeID!

    Choose "No" and click "Continue". You'll be taken to the BCeID Registration page.

    Click the "Register for a Basic BCeID" button.

    On the following page, enter your Surname (Last Name), First Name, Email, User ID (this is your BCeID and must be unique) and Password.

    Select 2 security questions and provide answers (1). We strongly suggest writing these answers down along with your BCeID User ID and Email and keeping it in a safe, private place. You need to answer the security questions correctly and access your email inbox to reset your password in the future.

    Check the ReCAPTCHA box and complete the challenge, if required (2). Check the "Yes, i have read and I accept the Terms of Use Agreement" checkbox (3) and click "Continue" (4)

    BCeID Register screen shot 1

    On the following "Registration Complete" page, click "Continue to Online Employment Services - Production".

    BCeID Register screen shot 2

    Continue to #9 below once you've logged in to the BCeID you just created!

    A form will expand below when selecting this option. Enter your Last Name, SIN number, and date of birth.

    Click Continue. If a BCeID is found associated with your name and SIN number it will be displayed and you can choose the BCeID you'd like to login to.

    If you've forgotten the passwords of any BCeID's found, you can follow the directions to reset your password on the login page. You must have access to the email associated with the BCeID and know the answer to the security questions to reset your password.

    If you don't have access to your email or know your security questions you'll have to go back and choose "No" to register for a new BCeID.

    Continue to #9 below once you're logged in to your BCeID!

  9. Register for Online Employment Services

    After logging in or registering for a BCeID you may be presented with the login history screen. Click Continue.

    On the "Register for Online Employment Services" page, enter your First name, Last name, SIN, Date of Birth, and Gender. Required fields are indicated by a red *.

    Select the method you'd like to receive notification when you get a message in OES. You can receive emails, text messages, or both. (Circle 1)

    Enter your email address (Circle 2) and Mobile phone number (Circle 3). If you selected to receive notifications via text please enter your mobile number in the "Message phone number" field as well.

    Note: If you don't have a mobile phone number, please enter your home phone number in the Mobile phone number field and select "I would like to be notified by email".

    Click "Continue" once the form is complete.

    Register for OES screen shot
  10. Confirmation email and text message sent

    Almost done! Please take a moment to read this page and follow the directions on it.

    If you choose to receive text message notifications you'll receive a text to confirm your phone number. Enter the verification code from the text message in the "Verification Code" field.

    Click "Logout & Continue" then "Return to Home Page".

    Confirm OES account screen shot
  11. On to Step 2!

    Please close any open WorkBC website tabs or windows you have open. Leave these instructions open though - Step 2 is next!

    Step 2 will guide you through logged in to Online Employment Services (OES) and filling in your OES profile!

    Click Next to continue to Step 2

Step 2: Complete OES Profile

  1. You've got an email!

    Go to your email inbox and locate a message with the subject "Online Employment Services Email Verification".

    You'll find a link in this email. Please click this link and login with the BCeID you used during registration to complete the setup of your account.

    Email from OES screenshot
  2. Section 1: Client Intake

    Now you're logged into OES, you should see the "Section 1: Client Intake" screen with 0% complete.

    Click Continue on this page. You'll be taken to the "Please provide us with some basic personal information" page. This, and each subsequent page will require you to answer questions or enter information. Enter as much information as possible and answer all questions truthfully, the best you can!

    Fields marked with a * are required.

    Click "Continue" after completing each page to move to the next. If you want to go back, you can click the "Previous" button at any time.

    OES Section 1 Client Intake screenshot
  3. Section 2: Client Questionnaire

    Click Continue on this page. You'll be taken to the "Tell us about your most recent employment or self-employment" page.

    This, and each subsequent page will require you to answer questions or enter information. Enter as much information as possible and answer all questions truthfully, the best you can!

    Fields marked with a * are required.

    Click "Continue" after completing each page. If you want to go back you can click the "Previous" button at any time.

    On the last page, "Your consent is required", review the Terms and Conditions, check the "I have read the Terms and Conditions" checkbox, and click "Submit Application".

    OES Section 2 Client Questionnaire screen shot
  4. Congratulations! You've applied for WorkBC Services!

    After clicking on "Submit Application" you should receive confirmation your application for WorkBC has been successfully submitted. Our staff will be in contact with you shortly! In the meantime, take some time to look around OES!

    The next items, #5 and #6 below, cover logging into OES next time (#5) and using OES once logged in (#6)! Please take a few minutes to review each so you know how to access and use OES - you'll be required to do so as part of your services.

  5. Logging into OES From Now on

    If you've been following these instructions from the beginning, you first logged into OES by clicking the link in your email. Here's how to do it in the future without that email!

    1. Visit https://apply.workbc.ca. You can also find a direct link on the Client Links -> Login to WorkBC Services section on the homepage! Bookmark this page in your web browser for easier access.

    2. Login with your BCeID and password you used when registering!

  6. Using OES

    You're logged into OES, but what does OES do for you? Here are a few things:

    Messages: The most important tab is "Messages". This is where all text communication with WorkBC and WorkBC staff will take place. Whenever you get a message in OES you'll receive a notification to your email and/or phone number, depending on your selection previously.

    Applications: The applications tab allows you to track the application you just made, as well as make new applications in the future for additional services!

    Service Requests; Case Details; Employment History: These tabs will become populated once your application(s) are approved and you begin to receive services. They will allow you to request services, view the details of your case file, and update and modify your employment history!

    Account Information: Finally Account Information allows you to edit your personal & contact info, as well as change your notification preferences if you'd like to change how you receive OES message notifications. Note: WorkBC Duncan and Ladysmith provide services in English only.

    OES screen shot
  7. On to Step 3!

    You've registered for services and your application is being processed.

    Step 3 will guide you through registering for the second account you need, a Virtual WorkBC Account!

    Click Next to continue to Step 3

Step 3: Register for Virtual WorkBC

  1. Click Here to register for Virtual WorkBC

    When you click the link above, a new Window or Tab will open and take you to the Virtal WorkBC Registration page.

    Complete all fields of the sign-up form and click "Register". You'll need to enter the same BCeID and email address you used when applying for WorkBC Services in Step 1 to validate as a registered client of the Duncan or Ladysmith WorkBC Centre.

    To simplify your login information, we suggest using your BCeID username as your Virtual WorkBC username.

    We recommend choosing a strong password for your account in order to protect your personal information.

    Virtual WorkBC Registraion Form
  2. Activate your Account

    When you submit the registration form you'll be instructed to check your email.

    Check your email now and look for a message with the subject "Welcome to Virtual WorkBC Cowichan - Activate your Account!". If you don't see this email within 5 minutes of registering, check your spam/junk.

    Open this email and click the "Activate your Account" button.

    Welcome to Virtual WorkBC Cowichan - Activate your Account email
  3. Account Activated and Logged in!

    When you click the "Activate your Account?" a new Window or Tab will open and automatically activate and log you in.

    You'll be taken to your dashboard! Watch the "New to Virtual WorkBC" video to learn how to access the online workshops!

    We strongly encourage you to talk with our employment experts - they are ready and willing to help you find work! Submit the request form at the top of the dashboard to request a meeting!

    Virtual WorkBC has far more to offer, so make sure to explore everything offered using the menu at the top!

  4. Logging in to Virtual WorkBC Next Time!

    1. Visit Virtual WorkBC. Bookmark this page for easier access next time. You can also find the "WorkBC Clients" buttoin on this site's homepage!

    2. Login with your Email and password!

BCeID Account Logo

BCeID for Online Employment Services

Login to your Online Employment Services (OES) account using the BCeID you registered for WorkBC Services with at apply.workbc.ca!

  • Communicate with WorkBC staff via OES Messaging. Need help? We're here!
  • Request new services, or change existing services you're receiving.
  • Report your successes and achievements!
Login to OES at apply.workbc.ca
Virtual WorkBC Account Logo

Virtual WorkBC Centre Account

Login to your Virtual WorkBC Account using the account you registered for at Virtual WorkBC!

  • Access our online Workshops, Webinars, and resources.
  • Request to meet with our employment experts!
  • Utilize our Virtual Resource Room for job search help
Login to Virtual WorkBC