ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth
Canada
Subsidy for SMEs to hire interns
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 06, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- ECO Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding up to $18 000 to cover up to 80% of the cost of wages & training of an intern's salary for an environmental job of at least 3 months, requiring digital abilities.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant program does not specify any eligible geographical areas for companies applying. Therefore, no particular regions are mentioned for eligibility in the context provided.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$18,000
Developing an eco-friendly mobile app for waste management
$18,000
Implementing a digital waste tracking system
$16,800
Creating an online marketplace for sustainable products
$18,000
Launch of an urban farming digital platform
$17,600
Establishing a green energy education program
$18,000
Developing a climate data visualization tool
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant varies depending on the specific program, with specific requirements for each.
- Eligible employers for the Youth in Natural Resources program can receive 75% wage coverage up to $20,000, or 75% up to $30,000 when hiring indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, or persons living in rural or remote locations.
- Eligible employers for the Student Work Placement (Co-op) must provide a new full or part-time 6 to 16 week position with a minimum of 180 hours and can receive 50% wage coverage up to $5,000.
- Eligible employers for the Digital Skills for Youth program must be small to medium-sized businesses with fewer than 500 staff, offering a minimum 3 to 12 month full-time or part-time placement, and can receive 80% wage coverage up to $18,000.
- Eligible employers for the Science Horizons Youth Internship program can receive up to 80% wage coverage up to $25,000 for a new full-time 6 to 12 month position.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Employers across various sectors focusing on environment-related fields, particularly those aiming to include youth, students, and young professionals in their workforce may apply. Each program is directed towards specific age groups, educational backgrounds, and employment goals, such as integrating young professionals into digital skills or environmental sectors, supporting indigenous or rural youth, and promoting co-op placements for students. Small to medium-sized businesses are specifically encouraged, with additional incentives for hiring candidates from underrepresented groups or locations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There is no specific mention of ineligible company types in the grant context.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The ECO Employment Programs offer various initiatives designed to promote skill development and job placement in the environmental sector. These programs provide funding for employers to cover a portion of wages for young professionals and students gaining valuable work experience in their respective fields.
- Youth in Natural Resources: Training and funding for youth in natural resources roles.
- Student Work Placement: Wage coverage for student placements in relevant fields.
- Digital Skills For Youth: Training and funding for young professionals in digital environmental roles.
- Science Horizons Youth Internship: Support for young professionals in STEM-focused environmental positions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers wage subsidies for eligible employers who hire youth and young professionals under different programs.
- 75% of the candidate’s wages covered up to $20,000 (up to $30,000 for hiring an indigenous youth, a person with a disability, or a person living in a rural or remote location) under the Youth in Natural Resources program.
- 50% of a student’s salary up to $5,000 for Student Work Placements (Co-op).
- 80% of wages up to $18,000 for placements under the Digital Skills for Youth program.
- 80% wage coverage up to $25,000 for the Science Horizons Youth Internship program.
- 75% wage coverage up to $15,000 for the Environmental Foreign Talent Development Program.
- $4,500 wage subsidy for the Nature-Based Climate Solutions Program.
- 50% wage coverage up to $12,000 for the Environmental Employability Pathways program.
- Up to $18,750 of a candidate's salary for the Environmental Jobs Growth Program.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Youth in Natural Resources program has specific evaluation and selection criteria that determine eligibility for both employers and job candidates:
- Employers must be able to offer placements related to natural resources and can receive funding to cover 75% of the candidate’s wages up to $18,000 for up to 12 months.
- Job candidates, aged 15 to 30, should be seeking to transition into or gain experience within the natural resources field.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Explore Program Options (Explore & Select)
- Visit ECO Canada's website to explore available employment programs.
- Review each program's details and eligibility requirements to identify the most suitable option for your organization and candidates.
- Step 2: Register Interest (Register & Eligibility Check)
- Fill out the initial registration form on ECO Canada's website to express your interest in participating in the selected program.
- Provide basic organization information and confirm eligibility as an employer for the chosen program.
- Step 3: Application Preparation (Prepare Documentation)
- Prepare detailed documentation including job description, expected outcomes, and how the employee's role aligns with program goals.
- Gather necessary financial information to demonstrate salary costs and expected subsidy amounts.
- Step 4: Submit Application (Submit Application)
- Complete the online application form on ECO Canada's portal for your chosen program.
- Attach all required documents, ensuring they are accurate and complete.
- Review your application thoroughly before submission.
- Step 5: Application Confirmation (Receive Confirmation)
- Receive a confirmation email from ECO Canada acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Keep the confirmation for your records and follow up if additional information is requested.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Employers interested in these programs are encouraged to compare the available options to determine the best fit for their needs and goals.
- Funding is primarily aimed at stimulating career pathways within the environmental sector and enhancing digital skills among youth.
- Some programs focus specifically on assisting underrepresented groups such as Indigenous youth, individuals with disabilities, or those living in rural or remote areas.
- Programs are designed to help employers reduce initial staffing costs while providing meaningful work experiences for young professionals and students.
- Partners involved in providing these programs include post-secondary institutions, enhancing the alignment between education and job market needs.
- The continued development of the French version of the program's website indicates a commitment to broader accessibility and engagement.
Apply to this program
Empowering Youth Through Environmental Workforce Programs
The ECO Employment Programs provide valuable funding opportunities for businesses and organizations seeking to attract young talent into the environmental sector. Through various targeted programs, employers receive financial assistance to offer meaningful work placements that foster skill development and career advancement for youth.
Understanding the Impact and Opportunities of ECO Employment Programs
ECO Employment Programs are designed to synergize business growth with workforce development in the environmental sector by providing strategic wage and training funding. These programs not only support employers in reducing the financial burden of hiring and training new employees but also emphasize the development of young professionals in fields pivotal to sustainable development. By focusing on environmental career pathways, these programs cater predominantly to youth aged between 15 and 30, ensuring they gain practical experience and essential skills that are vital for their professional growth.
A unique feature of these programs is their comprehensive approach to funding diverse profiles. Employers hiring indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, or those residing in rural or remote areas receive higher subsidies, thus promoting inclusivity and diverse employment within the environmental sector. Additionally, some programs such as "Digital Skills for Youth" and "Science Horizons Youth Internship" offer significant wage subsidies, up to 80% for specified periods, ensuring that financial incentives align with the evolving needs of both employers and young professionals seeking to make a mark in their chosen fields.
With a significant investment of over $144 million in wage and training subsidies, these programs have effectively facilitated over 14,000 job placements, underscoring their impact on the workforce and contributing to the development of a robust, green economy. These initiatives support sectors critical to environmental sustainability, including natural resources, STEM, and digital skills, ensuring young professionals are aptly equipped for the fast-evolving demands of these industries.
Moreover, these programs are structured to optimize the entry of newcomers to Canada into the workforce through pathways like the now-closed "Environmental Foreign Talent Development Program". This reflects the programs' commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that leverages a wide range of experiences and backgrounds for enhanced innovation and problem-solving in environmental roles.
Understanding the details and specific eligibility criteria for each of these programs is essential for businesses that wish to participate. By offering tailored support to small and medium-sized enterprises, the programs ensure that these businesses can partake in and benefit from eco-driven growth opportunities. Furthermore, opportunities in sectors such as habitat restoration and regenerative agriculture highlight the importance of these programs in not only supporting workforce growth but also in contributing positively to ecological restoration and climate solutions.
In essence, ECO Employment Programs bridge the gap between educational institutions and the labor market, enhancing employment prospects for young Canadians while also ensuring that industries critical to environmental sustainability continue to thrive. The programs’ strategic focus on providing comprehensive wage subsidies and skills development opportunities empowers both employers and young professionals to contribute effectively to the environmental sector.
As these programs continue to evolve, they are anticipated to adapt further to meet the ever-changing landscape of the green economy and address the skills gap by continuously aligning with both industry needs and environmental priorities. Through this diligent approach, ECO Employment Programs remain at the forefront of supporting a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.
