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Clean Tech Internships - Canada

Clean Tech Internships

Last Update: November 10, 2025
Canada
Internships supporting youth employment in clean technology sectors

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 30,000 $
  • Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
  • Unspecified
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
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
Funds Providers
Program status
Open

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.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Up to $30,000 in salary, training, and support services per internship position, covering up to 80% of the intern's salary.
  • Up to $20,000 for employers hiring job-ready youth, covering up to 80% of the intern’s salary.
  • Up to $25,000 for employers hiring youth facing significant employment barriers, covering up to 80% of the intern’s salary.
  • Up to $5,000 additional funding available for services that improve the internship experience, with individual service funding caps.
  • Reimbursements are issued at mid-internship and at the end of the internship upon submission of required documentation (e.g., pay stubs).

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.
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Clean Tech Internships Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Clean Tech Internships. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Clean Tech Internships?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Clean Tech Internships?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Clean Tech Internships a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Clean Tech Internships?

Who is eligible for the Clean Tech Internships program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Clean Tech Internships?

Where is the Clean Tech Internships available?

Are women eligible for the Clean Tech Internships program?

Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Clean Tech Internships program?

Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Clean Tech Internships program?

Apply to this program

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