How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $22000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-03-31T00:00:00Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the EHRC — Discovering Potential?

EHRC — Discovering Potential is funded by Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)

What are EHRC — Discovering Potential's eligibility criterias?

Firms whose primary activity is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Firms incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Indigenous organizations and groups.

EHRC — Discovering Potential

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Youth internships in Canada's electricity sector, subsidized by EHRC

EHRC — Discovering Potential at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $22,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : April 1, 2021
Closing date : March 31, 2025

Financing Type

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Eligible Industries

Utilities

Grant Providers

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)

Program status

Open

Overview of the EHRC — Discovering Potential program

The Discovering Potential Program, funded by the Government of Canada’s Science and Technology Internships Program, provides up to $22,000 in subsidies to employers in the electricity industry who create meaningful internships or training opportunities for youth. Eligible activities include internships or training in STEM fields that promote positive environmental outcomes in the electricity/natural resources sector.

Financing terms and conditions

The Discovering Potential Program offers substantial subsidy reimbursements to facilitate employer-sponsored youth internships and training initiatives. These modalitities are designed to maximize impact by covering a significant portion of wages and training costs.

Subsidy reimbursement for internships covers 75% of the participant’s gross salary up to a maximum of $24,000.
Subsidy reimbursement for training covers 100% of the participant’s training costs up to a maximum of $24,000.
Additional financial support may be accessible for initiatives that assist Indigenous youth, participants with disabilities, or those in the North, rural, or remote communities.
Employers are required to co-fund the initiative by paying at least 25% of each participant's salary.
Retroactive applications for subsidy reimbursement are not accepted.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports projects that create internships or training opportunities for youth in the electricity and natural resources sectors, with a focus on enhancing career skills and promoting positive environmental outcomes.

Internships providing meaningful employment in electricity/natural resources sectors.
Training programs supporting youth facing employment barriers in the electricity industry.

Eligibility criteria of the EHRC — Discovering Potential program

Eligibility for employer organizations under the Discovering Potential Program is determined by their primary activities, registration status, and the nature of the internships or training opportunities they provide.

Firms whose primary activity is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.
Sector support, including renewables, in areas such as R & D, business development, energy efficiency, fuel switching, clean energy technology, smart grid, energy storage, sustainable development of non-renewable resources.
Firms engaged in the manufacturing of equipment or the provision of services necessary for generation, transmission or distribution of electricity.
Firms incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Indigenous organizations and groups.
Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments and their departments and agencies.
The organization must provide full-time paid internships and training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and other related fields to promote positive environmental outcomes.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant program include employers or training organizations in the electricity sector that meet certain criteria. These include firms whose primary activities involve the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, organizations involved in renewables and related R&D, business development activities, and other entities that contribute to the electricity sector. Also included are indigenous organizations, various levels of government and their agencies, and those that provide internships or training opportunities in STEM and environmental fields for youth.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for the grant include costs associated with wage and training reimbursements for participants.

75% of the participant’s gross wage up to a maximum of $24,000 in subsidies per participant.
100% reimbursement of the participant’s training costs up to a maximum of $24,000.

Eligible geographic areas

The Discovering Potential grant is available to companies situated within Canada. Eligible locations reflect the program's aim to support organizations in various parts of the country.

Organizations incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit entities.
Indigenous organizations and groups across Canadian territories.

How to apply to the EHRC — Discovering Potential program

Employer Submits Application

Employers interested in the funding must submit an application to Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC).
Ensure all required details and documents are included as per EHRC guidelines.

Participant Sends Eligibility Form

Prospective participants must complete and send an eligibility form.
Ensure all information provided meets the criteria for eligibility.

Application Processing

The application will be processed, which may take up to 10 business days.
EHRC will review the submitted documents and eligibility forms.

Contract Signing

For successful applications, a contract is signed by the Employer, Participant, and EHRC.

Develop Learning Plan

The Employer and Participant collaborate to create a learning plan before the placement begins.

Monthly Claims Submission

Employers submit monthly financial claims to EHRC for reimbursement.
Ensure reports are accurate and timely as per EHRC requirements.

Evaluation Survey

Upon completion of the funded placement, both the Employer and Participant complete an evaluation survey.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program is currently at capacity and is not accepting new applications; interested employers can be placed on a waitlist by contacting the program manager.
Employers must develop a Formal Learning Plan with the participant before the start of the placement/training.
The program offers additional funding for opportunities supporting indigenous youth, participants with disabilities, or those in Northern, rural, or remote communities.
Employers must provide proof of employment and other related documentation to EHRC upon request.
Monthly financial claims and progress reports for each participant are necessary for reimbursement.
Participants receive a free professional skills training course as part of the program.

Contact Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)

turnin@ehrc.ca

613.235.5540

Apply to this program

Supports Indigenous-led clean energy and electrification projects