Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), which provides employers with funding to hire post-secondary students for paid work placements approved by the student’s post-secondary institution.
Employers must be*…
- Canadian private sector Employers or not-for-profit Employers.
- Willing to provide a quality work-integrated learning experience aligned with the post-secondary education program of the participating student.
- Committed to paying the student for the role, and have the financial capacity to pay the student for the duration of the placement in full (the wage subsidy will be administered after receiving all supporting documentation at the end of the placement).
- Compliant with all federal and provincial human rights and labour legislation, regulations, and any other relevant standards including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act.
- Where legally required, responsible for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or alternate workplace insurance coverage.
*Please note that this list may not be comprehensive, placement eligibility is determined through the application process.
Eligible student placements must…
- Meet requirements of a Net NEW placement as defined by Employment and Social Development Canada (“ESDC”). Please note that only medium and large businesses will be required to demonstrate incremental (Net NEW) opportunities; previously this rule applied to all enterprises.
- Be aligned with the post-secondary education program of the participating student. It can include co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects to solve problems for employers.
- Trades and apprenticeships are not considered Work-Integrated Learning, neither are clinical hours in healthcare nor articling hours for lawyers.
- Be a full-time or part-time position.
- Sub contracts/ contractor positions are not eligible.
- Not be filled by a business owner or an existing employee.
For further information or to apply, click here.
