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Clean Tech Internships
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Canada
Internships supporting youth employment in clean technology sectors
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Overview
The Clean Tech Internships program provides up to $30,000 in government funding to support the hiring, training, and support services for interns in clean technology and environmental sectors. The purpose of this grant is to foster a green workforce by supporting practical STEM internships focused on environmental sustainability and innovation.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Hiring and supervising interns in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields related to clean technologies or environmental initiatives.
- Undertaking projects in manufacturing, retail, and services that minimize environmental impact.
- Launching or supporting activities in sustainable energy systems such as low-carbon or renewable energy infrastructure.
- Conducting initiatives in ecotourism that focus on environmental conservation and appreciation of local ecology.
- Implementing conservation or sustainable management of natural resources projects, including wildlife protection and sustainable urban or rural planning.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 90,000
Implementing energy-efficient lighting and heating in food processing plant
$ 75,000
Launching a mobile zero-waste grocery delivery service pilot project
$ 65,000
Expanding community recycling program with new sorting equipment and workshops
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Canadian company or subsidiary, or fall under one of the following categories: postsecondary institution, Indigenous organization or association, small or medium-sized enterprise (less than 500 employees), large enterprise (500 employees or more), non-governmental organization (NGO), non-profit organization, municipal or local government, or provincial/territorial government, institution, agency, or Crown corporation.
- The applicant must have an established payroll system and be able to receive payment by direct deposit.
- The applicant must be able to supervise and mentor the intern.
- The company must offer an internship in clean technologies or an environmental field that lasts between 4 and 11 months (16 to 48 weeks) and requires at least 30 hours per week.
Who is eligible?
- Post-secondary educational institutions
- Indigenous organizations or associations (including band councils, tribal councils, and self-governing entities)
- Small or medium-sized enterprises (fewer than 500 employees)
- Large companies (500 employees or more)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organizations
- Municipal or local governments
- Provincial or territorial governments, institutions, agencies, or crown corporations
Who is not eligible
- Companies seeking funding for a position already supported by an Horizons Sciences internship grant from another provider.
- Businesses attempting to use the program to fill a position that is already occupied.
- Employers intending to replace an employee on leave.
- Employers wishing to hire an existing employee into a new position through this internship program.
Eligible expenses
- Up to 80% of the intern's salary, subject to program maximums.
- Certification and training costs at a CICan member college or institute.
- Language training for official language minority communities.
- Mentoring and professional guidance.
- Conference and workshop fees.
- Transportation and relocation costs related to the internship.
- Childcare and family obligation expenses.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Adapted and/or assistive computer software and technologies.
- Support services tailored to the needs of the intern and employer, subject to prior approval and funding limits.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations located in any region of Canada.
Selection criteria
- Compliance with the objectives of the Youth Science Internship Program, specifically supporting postsecondary graduates in gaining relevant professional experience and improving employability.
- Job creation for underrepresented groups including Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities, and youth from visible minorities.
- Quality of the position and relevance to at least one environmental sector such as green manufacturing, ecological services, carbon mitigation, sustainable energies, or environmental protection.
- Sector representation, ensuring an equitable distribution of funds across various environmental sectors.
- Geographic representation, aiming for an equitable distribution of funds across regions in Canada.
- Quality of the position and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility requirements
- Review eligibility criteria for both employer and intern
- Ensure your position and candidate meet program requirements
2
Prepare application materials
- Gather supporting documents (e.g. payroll info, proof of legal work status)
- Prepare a detailed internship plan and role description
3
Submit application online
- Submit online application to the program administrator
- Attach all required documents and internship details
4
Await pre-approval
- Wait for pre-approval notice from the program
- Monitor for communication within 2 to 3 weeks
5
Complete post-approval steps
- If pre-approved and intern is selected, complete the next steps within 2 weeks
- If recruitment is still needed, finalize within the given timeframe (max 5 weeks for recruitment plus 2 weeks for documentation)
6
Submit final documentation
- Provide signed contract and necessary documents to the program administrator
- Ensure payroll arrangements and compliance with payment schedules
7
Begin internship and track progress
- Start internship and supervise the intern according to the plan
- Follow reporting and documentation requirements for reimbursement
8
Submit reimbursement documents
- Submit required paystubs and documents at mid-term and end of internship
- Receive scheduled reimbursement payments upon approval
Additional information
- Reimbursements are made at the internship's midpoint and upon completion, following submission of required documents such as pay stubs.
- Employers whose applications are pre-approved have two weeks to complete the process if a trainee is selected, or five weeks to recruit plus two more weeks to complete the process.
- Each eligible support service for the $5,000 enhancement has specific funding limits, detailed in the program's guidelines.
- Testimonies from previous participants and employers benefiting from the program are available for reference.
