How much funding can be received?

Get a wage subsidy of up to $7,000 to create new work-integrated learning opportunities for students in mining-related post-secondary education programs.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available to companies across Canada, as suggested by the involvement of various Canadian universities and organizations in the program’s steering committee. There is no specific regional limitation mentioned for eligibility.

All provinces and territories in Canada.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$7,000

Internship for a mining technology student to develop new software applications

$7,000

Internship for an environmental science student to conduct an applied project

$7,000

Support for a co-op placement for a finance student in mining sector at a Toronto investment firm

$7,000

Co-op placement for a mining engineering student at a mineral exploration company

$7,000

Supporting a summer work experience for a geology student at a mining company

$7,000

Field placement for a resource management student focusing on sustainable mining practices

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Gearing Up wage subsidy is determined by specific criteria related to the employer's ability to provide work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities.

The employer must offer work experience, co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects for post-secondary students.
The opportunities provided should align with mining industry requirements and contribute to student skills training.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Gearing Up is designed to support post-secondary students, particularly encouraging participation from underrepresented groups in STEM fields, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, first-year students, and members of visible minority groups.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Gearing Up Program offers funding for activities related to work-integrated learning opportunities in the mining industry. Eligible projects under this grant include various practical training placements aimed at enriching student learning and aligning their skills with industry needs.

Work experience placements that provide students with real-world industry exposure.
Co-op placements that integrate academic learning with practical work.
Internships that offer hands-on experience and mentoring in a professional setting.
Field placements that allow students to gain experience in actual mining site environments.
Applied projects that enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to solve industry-specific challenges.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant supports employers by providing wage subsidies for offering work-integrated learning opportunities to students.

Wage subsidies up to $7,000 for employers who provide work experience, co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Gearing Up grant has evaluation and selection criteria for applicants. The criteria include:

Alignment with mining industry requirements
Provision of work-integrated learning opportunities
Encouragement of participation by underrepresented groups
Creation of new WIL opportunities
Offering wage subsidies up to $7,000 to employers

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria and Program Overview
- Visit the Gearing Up program page to understand the eligibility criteria and program details.
- Read the Applicant Guide for a comprehensive description of the program and frequently asked questions.
Step 2: Prepare the Application
- Gather necessary information and documentation required to complete the application.
- Ensure that your application aligns with the objectives of aligning post-secondary student skills with mining industry requirements.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
- Access the online application form through the provided link on the Gearing Up site.
- Fill in all required fields accurately and thoroughly.
Step 4: Submit the Application
- Review the completed application for any errors or omissions.
- Submit the application form through the online portal.
Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an email confirmation from the program acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Save the confirmation email for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Gearing Up encourages participation by underrepresented groups such as women in STEM, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, first-year students, and members of visible minority groups.
A Steering Committee provides guidance and subject matter expertise into project activities, outputs, and desired outcomes, comprising members from various universities and organizations involved in the mining sector.
Applications can be submitted online via the dedicated application form on the Gearing Up website.
Employers can access wage subsidies of up to $7,000 for offering work experience opportunities.
Gearing Up aims to create over 2,000 new work-integrated learning opportunities.

grant_single_labels|contact

wagesubsidies@mihr.ca

Apply to this program

Gearing Up: A Leap Forward for Mining Education and Employment

Gearing Up is a transformative initiative that harmonizes educational curriculums with practical industry requirements, enhancing post-secondary education in Canada. By offering incentives and opportunities, this program supports over 2,000 work-integrated learning (WIL) placements in the mining sector.

Understanding the Gearing Up Program and Its Significance

The Gearing Up program, facilitated by Canada’s Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), stands out as a pivotal endeavor structured to align the educational outcomes of post-secondary students with the skill demands of the mining industry through work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. This initiative is targeted at providing job-ready skills for students, enhancing their employability in a competitive job market, particularly within the dynamically evolving mining sector. By bridging the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on professional experience, Gearing Up acts as a catalyst for systemic change, equipping the future workforce with the essential skills demanded by the industry.

The cornerstone of the Gearing Up program is its capacity to generate over 2,000 new WIL placements, a significant contribution to workforce development in Canada. Employers participating in the program are eligible to receive wage subsidies of up to $7,000, incentivizing the creation of sustainable, quality training opportunities. Such financial support encourages enterprises across the mining sector to actively contribute to workforce planning and the nurturing of future talent. This not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also fortifies the industry's talent pipeline for long-term resilience and competitiveness.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core elements of Gearing Up's operational ethos, reflecting broader societal commitments to advancing diversified workplace cultures. The program vigorously promotes participation among underrepresented demographics, including women in STEM fields, Indigenous peoples, individuals with disabilities, recent immigrants, first-year students, and members of visible minority groups. By fostering an inclusive environment, Gearing Up seeks to diversify the workforce, bringing in new perspectives and fostering innovation through a multiplicity of ideas and experiences. The initiatives aim to break down barriers and provide equal opportunities for all participants, ensuring that the mining industry reflects the rich diversity of Canada itself.

Collaboration and partnership are paramount to the success of the Gearing Up project. The program is backed by a steering committee comprising representatives from a variety of sectors, including educational institutions, indigenous organizations, mining companies, and advocacy groups. This collective brings a wealth of expertise and perspectives to guide the program effectively toward its stated objectives. Utilizing a diverse range of insights ensures that the program remains attuned to industry needs and student aspirations, crafting a strategic path forward that benefits all stakeholders involved.

The program's case studies emphasize its tangible impacts, offering a wealth of qualitative data on benefits realized by participating students, academic institutions, and mining companies. These studies demonstrate how work-integrated learning placements provided by Gearing Up facilitate not only the professional growth of students but also contribute positively to company culture and productivity, creating a symbiotic relationship between education and industry. By showcasing successful adoption and implementation across several universities and corporations, Gearing Up serves as an exemplary model of how structured social and economic intervention can yield measurable results.

In conclusion, Gearing Up is more than a financial incentive or educational initiative; it represents a strategic overhaul of the pathways connecting education to industry within the Canadian mining sector. By investing in the future workforce and providing structured, hands-on experience, the program not only prepares students for the realities of their chosen fields but also addresses potential skill shortages in an industry vital to Canada's economic health. Through ongoing collaboration, financial support, and a commitment to inclusivity, Gearing Up is poised to leave a lasting impact on both the mining industry and the broader Canadian labor market.