Employer Funding and Grant Options

Program Overview

Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labor market. The program provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years.

Key Features

• Target Group: Young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.
• Employer Eligibility: Available to public sector, private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees, and nonprofit organizations.
• Funding: Up to 50% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for private and public sector employers; up to 100% for nonprofit organizations.
• Duration: Summer jobs must be between 6 and 16 weeks in duration.

Application Timeline

• Application Opening: Typically opens in November or December each year.
• Application Deadline: Usually by the end of December.
• Notification of Decision: Employers can expect to be notified about the status of their applications by April.
• Project Start Date: Funded projects can begin starting April, with the latest start date usually in May.

Approval Process

The approval process involves several steps:

1. Review of Eligibility: Initial screening for the fulfillment of all eligibility criteria.
2. Assessment of Applications: Applications are assessed based on program objectives and priorities, such as:
   • Providing work experiences relevant to the future labor market prospects of the youth.
   • Supporting organizations that provide important community services.
   • Consideration for projects that support and protect vulnerable populations.
3. Notification: All applicants are notified of the approval or rejection of their proposals and funding allocation.

How to Apply

Employers interested in applying for the Canada Summer Jobs program should prepare by ensuring they meet eligibility criteria and gather necessary documentation. Applications can be submitted online through the Service Canada website when the application period opens. Detailed guidelines and application forms are available on the website.

Program Overview

Mitacs Accelerate is a versatile internship program designed to help employers collaborate with Canadian post-secondary institutions. It supports practical research projects that address organizational challenges, fostering innovation across various industries.

Employer Benefits

• Financial Support: Employers can receive significant funding, starting at $7,500 per internship, to subsidize the cost of hosting a student or postdoctoral fellow.
• Access to Talent and Research: Engage with top-tier academic talent to drive your projects forward while benefiting from cutting-edge research applicable to your business needs.
• Flexible Projects: Tailor projects to specific organizational requirements, whether for short-term needs or long-term research partnerships.

For more information on how to leverage Mitacs Accelerate for your organization, visit the Mitacs Accelerate page.

Program Overview

The SWPP aims to help post-secondary students across Canada get work experience related to their field of study. The program supports partnerships between employers and post-secondary education (PSE) institutions to create quality work placements for students.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Available to all employers offering quality student work placements.
• Student Eligibility: Post-secondary students enrolled in a recognized PSE institution in Canada.
• Funding: Up to 75% of the wage cost for each placement (up to a maximum of $7,500 per placement).

Funding Providers and Serviced Industries

Each SWPP provider targets specific sectors or fields of study, facilitating tailored opportunities for students and matching industry needs.

Program Overview

The Canada Green Corps – Science and Technology Internship Programme (CGC-STIP), facilitated by the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, aims to provide quality green employment opportunities for Canadian youth. The program offers wage subsidies to employers in the natural resources sector, supporting the development of young professionals while contributing to positive environmental outcomes. 

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Available to registered Canadian businesses, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations operating within the natural resources sectors, including energy, forestry, mining, and earth sciences.
• Student Eligibility: Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status between the ages of 15 to 30 years and legally able to work in Canada.
• Funding: Up to 75% of the wage cost for each placement.

Funding Providers and Serviced Sectors

The program is delivered by the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada. This program services the following sectors: Energy, Mining, Minerals, and Metals, Forestry, and Earth Sciences.

Program Overview

BioTalent Canada is a part of the SWPP that targets the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. It aims to facilitate the job-readiness of students by connecting them with relevant work opportunities. The program enhances students' skills and supports employers in the bio-economy to hire new talent for future recruitment needs.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Available to all employers within the biotechnology or healthcare sectors creating a work-integrated learning opportunity.
• Student Eligibility: Open to students enrolled full-time or part-time at Canadian post-secondary institutions, including undergraduates, Masters, PhD, or post-graduate students. Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred and legally entitled to work in Canada.

Funding Details and Timelines

• Subsidy Amount: Up to 50% of the wage cost (maximum of $5,000) and up to 70% (maximum of $7,000) for first-year students and under-represented groups.
• Application Period: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for specific terms, ensuring funding is available throughout the year for placements occurring in that term.

Relevant Industries and Opportunities

The program focuses on the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, providing opportunities for students to work in roles that directly contribute to these industries. This includes but is not limited to:

• Health Biotechnology: Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, therapeutic technologies.
• Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology: Solutions for sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and clean technologies.

VIU Programs Aligned with BioTalent Canada

1. Bachelor of Science in Biology
   • Prepares students for technical and research roles across various biotechnology sectors.
2. Chemistry
   • Equips students with skills in chemical analysis, useful in pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
3. Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection
   • Relevant for environmental biotechnology focusing on sustainable management.
4. Fisheries and Aquaculture
   • Pertinent to biotechnological applications in marine health and environmental sustainability.

Additional Support

BioTalent Canada also offers the Essential Skills Fundamentals and Technical Skills Fundamentals training programs to help participants strengthen their employment prospects upon completing their placements.

Program Overview

The CCAA supports work-integrated learning opportunities within the aviation and aerospace industries. It aims to facilitate partnerships between employers and post-secondary education institutions to create student work placements that prepare students for jobs in these high-demand fields.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Applicable to employers within the aviation and aerospace sectors, including direct operations and suppliers.
• Student Eligibility: Open to students who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those granted refugee protection, enrolled full-time or part-time in relevant Canadian post-secondary programs. Note, international students are not eligible.

Funding Details and Timelines

• Subsidy Amount: Employers may receive up to 70% of the wage cost for each placement, with a maximum of $5,000 for general placements and $7,000 for placements involving underrepresented groups.
• Application Process: Requires online application submission including job description, proof of student enrollment, and a detailed work/learning plan. There's an emphasis on demonstrating a net increase in the number of student placements from the previous year.

Relevant Industries and Opportunities

Focuses broadly on the aviation and aerospace industries, including:

• Manufacturing and Maintenance: Roles related to the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft and parts.
• Engineering and Design: Positions in aerospace engineering that involve design, testing, and project management.

VIU Programs Aligned with CCAA

1. Bachelor of Science in Physics
   • Students learn principles that can be applied in aerospace design and testing.
2. Engineering Transfer Program
   • Prepares students for further engineering studies that can lead to careers in aerospace engineering.
3. Bachelor of Business Administration
   • Particularly relevant for management or administrative roles within aerospace companies.

Additional Support

The CCAA offers extensive training and certification programs that align with industry standards, helping to upskill participants and ensure that training is relevant to the needs of the aviation and aerospace sectors.

Employers interested in the SWPP through CCAA can manage applications directly via the CCAA, which also assists in creating partnerships with educational institutions to recruit students.

Program Overview

ECO Canada facilitates work-integrated learning opportunities for students by providing wage subsidies to employers in the environmental sector. This program is part of a broader effort to fill skill gaps and prepare students for a career in environmental roles.

Key Features

• Eligibility: Open to students enrolled at Canadian universities or colleges in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math (STEAM), and Business. Students must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee status.
• Funding Details: Employers can receive wage subsidies that cover 50% of a student's wage up to $5,000 for new placements that are either full or part-time, lasting from 6 to 16 weeks with a minimum of 180 hours.

Relevant Industries

The program focuses on various sectors within the environmental industry, particularly those that are geared towards sustainability and resource management.

VIU Programs Aligned with ECO Canada

Given the focus on environmental and sustainability placements, the following Vancouver Island University (VIU) programs could align well with ECO Canada’s funding:

1. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science - Prepares students with the necessary skills for environmental assessment, conservation, and resource management.
2. Geography - Students learn about physical and human environmental systems, which is applicable to many areas in the environmental sector.
3. Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection - Specifically designed to equip students for careers in managing and protecting natural resources.

Additional Support

ECO Canada also offers various training and professional development opportunities to help students and professionals grow their careers in the environmental sector.

For employers interested in this program, ECO Canada supports the process from job posting to filling the placement, providing substantial support and resources to ensure successful integration of students into meaningful work roles.

Program Overview

Empowering Futures is EHRC's student work placement initiative tailored specifically for the electricity industry. The program aims to provide students with practical experience through work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that complement their academic studies.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Companies within the electricity sector, including generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as related support services and manufacturing.
• Student Eligibility: Post-secondary students enrolled in relevant programs, who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee protection.
• Funding Details: Offers financial incentives of up to $7,000 per placement to employers to help cover wages for students.

Relevant Industries

This program is specifically designed for the electricity industry, encompassing areas such as:

• Energy Generation and Transmission
• Electrical Engineering
• Renewable Energy and Sustainability

VIU Programs Aligned with EHRC

Several programs at Vancouver Island University (VIU) could effectively align with the Empowering Futures program:

1. Electrical Engineering Technology - Students from this program are well-suited for placements focusing on the technical aspects of electricity generation and distribution.
2. Bachelor of Science in Physics - Applicable for students interested in energy systems and dynamics within the electricity sector.
3. Resource Management and Environmental Studies - Relevant for roles focusing on the sustainability and environmental impact assessments within the electricity industry.

Additional Support

EHRC also offers professional development opportunities to all participants, ensuring that students not only gain technical skills but also enhance their professional competencies relevant to the industry.

For employers interested in participating or students seeking placements within the electricity sector, EHRC provides comprehensive support throughout the application and placement process.

Program Overview

The WILWorks Program, offered by the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), supports Canadian manufacturers by providing subsidies through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). This initiative aims to enhance student employability in the manufacturing sector by promoting more student work positions.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Available to Canadian manufacturers interested in enhancing their workforce with post-secondary students.
• Student Eligibility: Targets post-secondary students seeking work-integrated learning opportunities within the manufacturing sector.
• Funding Details: Employers can receive up to $7,000 per placement to support the hiring of students.

Relevant Industries

The focus is primarily on the manufacturing sector, covering a broad range of manufacturing activities from production to advanced manufacturing technologies.

VIU Programs Aligned with EMC

Several programs at Vancouver Island University (VIU) are well-suited for integration with the WILWorks Program:

1. Engineering Transfer Diploma - This program is designed for students planning to transfer to an engineering degree program. It covers foundational engineering courses that are critical in manufacturing and other engineering-related industries.
2. Bachelor of Business Administration - While not directly engineering, this program is relevant for those looking into the management side of manufacturing operations.
3. Welding Certificate - This program provides practical skills and technical knowledge in welding, which is highly applicable to manufacturing jobs that involve metal fabrication.

Additional Support

EMC provides comprehensive support throughout the application process and offers additional resources like training and professional development to enhance the placement experience.

For manufacturers interested in participating or students seeking placements in the manufacturing sector, EMC facilitates the application process and ensures a beneficial experience for both parties.

Program Overview

The Student Work Placement Program+ (SWPP+), offered by Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC), provides wage subsidies to Canadian employers in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. SWPP+ aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience by helping students gain hands-on skills in food safety, manufacturing operations, and workplace culture—all while reducing the financial burden on employers.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Open to registered Canadian businesses or not-for-profit organizations operating in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
• Student Eligibility: Targets post-secondary students looking to gain a work-integrated learning experience.
• Funding Details: Employers can receive up to 50% of a student’s salary (maximum of $5,000) or up to 70% (maximum of $7,000) for underrepresented groups including women in STEM, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, newcomers to Canada, and first-year students.

Relevant Industries

The program supports a broad range of industries within the ICT sector, including software development, telecommunications, digital media, and information technology services.

VIU Programs Aligned with SWPP+

Given the industry-specific nature of this program, the following Vancouver Island University (VIU) programs are well-suited with the SWPP+ Program:

1. Culinary Arts – students can support production, food safety, and sanitation roles.
2. Baking & Pastry Arts – practical experience in commercial baking environments.
3. Hospitality Management – operational roles in food service management and processing.
4. Science programs (e.g., Biology, Chemistry) – students with lab and food safety training are ideal for HACCP, QA, and compliance roles.

Additional Support

FPSC also offers free online training for both employers and students participating in the program.

Program Overview

The WIL Digital program, offered by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), provides wage subsidies to Canadian employers to create work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities within the information and communications technology sectors. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the digital skills of post-secondary students and supporting employers in the growing digital economy.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Open to registered businesses or not-for-profit organizations in Canada that can offer a meaningful work-integrated learning placement in the ICT sector.
• Student Eligibility: Targets post-secondary students looking to gain experience in information technology and communications roles.
• Funding Details: Employers can receive up to 50% of a student’s salary (maximum of $5,000) or up to 70% (maximum of $7,000) for underrepresented groups including women in STEM, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, newcomers to Canada, and first-year students.

Relevant Industries

The program supports a broad range of industries within the ICT sector, including software development, telecommunications, digital media, and information technology services.

VIU Programs Aligned with ICTC

Given the focus on ICT and digital skills, the following Vancouver Island University (VIU) programs are well-matched with the ICTC WIL Digital program:

1. Computer Science - Students from this program are ideal candidates for roles in software development, system analysis, and IT project management.
2. Information Technology and Applied Systems - This program prepares students for technical support and IT services roles, aligning well with the practical experience opportunities offered by WIL Digital.
3. Digital Media Studies - Students in this field can benefit from placements in digital content creation, media communication, and user interface design.

Additional Support

ICTC also provides e-learning courses to enhance the digital skills of students participating in WIL placements, ensuring they gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge during their work term.

Program Overview

Magnet’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) facilitates work-integrated learning (WIL) by providing wage subsidies to Canadian employers to hire post-secondary students. This initiative helps students gain relevant work experience and assists employers in building a skilled workforce.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Open to all Canadian businesses and not-for-profit organizations, except for governmental entities, financial institutions, and post-secondary institutions.
• Student Eligibility: Available to domestic students enrolled in recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions. Students must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee protection.
• Funding Details: Employers can receive a subsidy covering 50% of a student’s wages up to $5,000 or 70% up to $7,000 for underrepresented groups such as women in STEM, Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, newcomers, and first-year students.

Relevant Industries

This program supports a wide range of industries, aiming to integrate students into environments where digital skills are crucial, reflecting the growing impact of technology across all sectors.

VIU Programs Aligned with Magnet

Several programs at Vancouver Island University (VIU) align well with the objectives of Magnet’s SWPP, particularly those that prepare students for roles in digital and technological fields:

1. Computer Science - For roles in software development, cybersecurity, and systems analysis.
2. Information Technology and Applied Systems - Prepares students for technical support and network administration.
3. Digital Media Studies - Suitable for placements in digital content development, media production, and user experience design.

Additional Support

Magnet also offers access to the Outcome Campus Connect platform, facilitating the posting of job opportunities to a wide network of post-secondary institutions, ensuring a broad reach to potential student hires.

Program Overview

The Gearing Up program by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) offers wage subsidies to employers in the mining sector to facilitate work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities. This program is designed to align post-secondary student skills with the needs of the mining industry through various forms of work placements.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Open to Canadian mining employers committed to providing a substantive learning experience. This excludes government bodies, financial institutions, and post-secondary institutions.
• Student Eligibility: Available to students enrolled in recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee protection.
• Funding Details: Employers can receive up to $7,000 in wage subsidies for each new placement, with a focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Relevant Industries

This program specifically targets the mining sector, including exploration, extraction, and processing of mineral resources.

VIU Programs Aligned with MiHR

Relevant Vancouver Island University (VIU) programs that align with MiHR’s objectives include:

1. Bachelor of Science in Geology - Students from this program are equipped for roles in mineral exploration and environmental geoscience, relevant to the mining sector.
2. Resource Management Officer Technology - This program prepares students for roles in managing and protecting natural resources, applicable to environmental and sustainability practices within mining.
3. Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection - Focuses on conservation and resource management, preparing students for environmental stewardship roles in mining.

Additional Support

MiHR also supports various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the mining sector. They offer resources and training for organizations to develop equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces.

Program Overview

TECHNATION's Career Ready Program is part of the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), designed to help businesses finance the hiring of students for work-term placements. This initiative supports the development of tech talent by creating rewarding opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Canadian businesses and non-profits outside of the public sector, large financial organizations, and post-secondary institutions can participate.
• Student Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee protection who are registered in a Canadian post-secondary institution. It is important to note that international students are not eligible.
• Funding Details: The subsidy covers 50% of a student's wages up to $5,000, with an increased subsidy of 70% up to $7,000 for hiring students from underrepresented groups such as women in STEM, Indigenous students, and persons with disabilities.

Relevant Industries

The program targets high-growth tech sectors, including:

• Cybersecurity
• AI/IoT/Machine Learning
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Digital Technology
• Agri-Tech
• Clean Tech
• Health Tech

VIU Programs Aligned with TECHNATION

Several programs at Vancouver Island University (VIU) align well with the TECHNATION Career Ready Program, particularly those that provide a tech-immersive educational experience:

1. Computer Science - Prepares students for software development, IT support, and other tech-focused roles.
2. Information Technology and Applied Systems - Suitable for students aiming for technical support and network administration positions.
3. Digital Media Studies - Ideal for students interested in digital marketing, content creation, and media production.

Additional Support

TECHNATION also emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its application and review processes, ensuring that opportunities are accessible across various regions and communities.

Program Overview

Propel, managed by Tourism HR Canada, is a Student Work Placement Program that offers wage subsidies to employers in the tourism sector to facilitate paid, hands-on learning opportunities for post-secondary students. The program aims to enhance students' work-ready skills and help them secure meaningful employment upon graduation.

Key Features

• Employer Eligibility: Canadian tourism employers are eligible to participate in the program.
• Student Eligibility: Post-secondary students from any discipline interested in pursuing a career in the tourism sector.
• Funding Details: Employers can receive wage subsidies for each student placement, with the aim of easing the financial burden of hiring new talent.

Relevant Industries

This program is specifically designed for the tourism sector, including hospitality, travel, and other related industries.

VIU Programs Aligned with Tourism HR Canada

Relevant programs at Vancouver Island University that could benefit from the Propel program include:

1. Bachelor of Hospitality Management - Students from this program can gain practical experience in hospitality operations and management.
2. Recreation and Tourism Management - Suitable for students looking to build careers in recreational or tourism management roles.
3. Culinary Arts - Students in this program can apply their culinary skills in real-world kitchen environments, enhancing their readiness for the workforce.

Additional Support

The Propel program also provides educational sessions and resources to both employers and students to maximize the benefits of their participation in work placements.

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