Launched in 2015 by CICan, Career Launcher is a national program dedicated to helping post-secondary graduates transition from education into the workforce. Initially focused on internship opportunities in Canada’s green economy, the program has since broadened its scope to include the digital sector, the agri-food industry, and other sustainability-oriented fields. It serves as a platform for national internship initiatives aligned with key priorities: driving sustainable economic growth, addressing labour shortages, promoting equity and diversity, and empowering young people from all backgrounds to succeed in their careers. By bridging the gap between education and employment, Career Launcher connects colleges and institutes with industry to provide young talent with practical work experiences, mentorship, and training – including wage-subsidized internships – that allow them to develop in-demand skills and thrive in Canada’s evolving economy.
As an intermediary delivering several federal youth employment programs, Career Launcher administers wage subsidy initiatives funded through the Government of Canada’s youth employment strategy. Through these programs, small and medium-sized employers receive financial support to create quality internships in a variety of fields, such as environmental science and clean technology, natural resources, digital technology, the agri-food sector, and projects advancing sustainable development goals. Each internship is a paid, hands-on position accompanied by mentorship and skill development opportunities, ensuring that the experience aligns with labour market needs and national priorities in areas like the green economy and digital innovation.
For example, an internship might involve developing a community garden to boost local food security or helping design green energy solutions for businesses. By facilitating such projects, Career Launcher not only gives participants valuable real-world experience and mentorship in their field, but also helps employers innovate and address sector-specific challenges with fresh talent. This symbiotic approach accelerates growth in emerging industries (such as clean tech and digital innovation) while preparing the next generation of skilled workers.
Since its inception, Career Launcher has supported over 2,100 young people across Canada through these internship placements. The majority of participants go on to secure employment in their field or pursue further education after completing their internship, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in launching young professionals’ careers. Importantly, Career Launcher places a strong emphasis on inclusivity: it strives to ensure that youth from all backgrounds – including those from underrepresented groups – have equitable access to these career-start opportunities.
