
Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Subsidy to hire students for mining jobs
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $7,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
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.
Financing terms and conditions
This program provides financial support through wage subsidies to employers, facilitating work-integrated learning opportunities for students in the mining sector. The subsidies are aimed at aligning student skills with industry needs.
- Wage subsidies of up to $7,000 are available to employers providing work experiences such as co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects.
Activities funded
The Gearing Up program facilitates practical training by connecting post-secondary students with the mining sector through work-integrated learning opportunities. This aims to equip students with real-world experience and skills required by the mining industry.
- Offering work experience opportunities that align with academic learning.
- Providing co-op placements within mining industry settings.
- Facilitating internships for hands-on training in technical and operational roles.
- Arranging field placements for students to gain insight into mining processes and methodologies.
- Supporting applied projects that involve collaborations with mining companies for practical problem-solving.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 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
Eligibility
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.
Who is eligible?
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.
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.
Selection 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
How to apply
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.
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.
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.
4
Submit the Application
- Review the completed application for any errors or omissions.
- Submit the application form through the online portal.
5
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an email confirmation from the program acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Save the confirmation email for your records.
Additional information
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.
Contacts
wagesubsidies@mihr.ca
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program. 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 Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program?
Who is eligible for the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program?
Where is the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program available?
Are women eligible for the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program program?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program program?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Gearing Up — Student Work Placement Program program?

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