ICTC — Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital
Canada
Financial assistance for hiring students
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a wage subsidy to cover up to 70% of the costs of a work term placement with a maximum of $7,000 that provides post-secondary students with a position that is digital/technology immersive and that uses technology either entirely or in some capacity.
grant_single_labels|projects
There are eligible projects for this grant.
- Participating in ICTC's Work Integrated Learning Program to provide meaningful work opportunities for post-secondary students
- Hiring post-secondary students to support Canadian businesses within the Digital Economy
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$7,000
Toronto
Develop a mobile app to monitor mental health utilizing advanced analytics.
$7,000
Vancouver
Create an online platform to connect local farmers directly with consumers.
$7,000
Montreal
Implement an AI-based customer service chatbot for an e-commerce platform.
$7,000
Calgary
Develop a sustainable energy management system for residential buildings.
$7,000
Ottawa
Create a digital archive for a local history museum's collection.
$7,000
Halifax
Develop an inventory management system for small retail businesses.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility criteria for the WIL Digital program:
- Wage subsidy of 50% up to $5,000 (or 70% up to $7,000 for underrepresented students)
- “Net new” requirement is in effect
- Post-secondary institutions are not eligible as employers
- Applications must be created in the application portal prior to the student’s start date
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are eligible types of companies for the ICTC's WIL Digital grant:
- Canadian businesses offering student work placements within the Digital Economy
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Post-secondary institutions are not eligible to apply for the grant.
- Post-secondary institutions
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The WIL Digital program provides wage subsidies for hiring post-secondary students. Eligible expenses for this grant may include:
- Student salaries
- Training and development costs
- Supplies and materials related to the student's work
- Workplace accommodations for students
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Applicants must provide a detailed description of the proposed work integrated learning opportunity.
- The proposed opportunity should align with the goals of the Work Integrated Learning Program.
- Employers must demonstrate how the placement will contribute to the student's development of foundational and business skills.
- Priority may be given to opportunities that support underrepresented students in the workforce.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Visit the ICTC website and navigate to the WIL Digital program application page.
- Step 2: Click on the "Apply" button to start the application process.
- Step 3: You will be redirected to the Survey Monkey log-in page.
- Step 4: If you do not have a Survey Monkey account, you need to register to gain access to the assessment.
- Step 5: Complete the application form with the required information and submit it for review.
Apply to this program
WIL Digital Grant Summary
The WIL Digital program, funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), provides wage subsidies to Canadian businesses for hiring post-secondary students in roles that support the digital economy. The program offers up to 50% of the student's salary up to $5,000, or 70% up to $7,000 for underrepresented students.
How the WIL Digital Grant Can Benefit Your Business
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) has designed the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital program to bridge the gap between academia and the workforce by incentivizing employers to provide post-secondary students with meaningful work experience in the digital economy. Understanding how to navigate and apply for this grant can significantly benefit your business, not only by reducing staffing costs but also by bringing fresh talent and innovative ideas into your organization. This detailed guide will walk you through the essential elements of the WIL Digital program, from eligibility requirements to the application process.
What is the WIL Digital Program?
The WIL Digital program, funded under the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), offers financial assistance to businesses for hiring post-secondary students for digital economy-related positions. This initiative is aimed at providing students with practical experience that will help them transition smoothly into the workforce. Employers can receive a wage subsidy of 50% of the student's salary, up to a maximum of $5,000. For students who are part of underrepresented groups—including women in STEM, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community—the subsidy can be increased to 70%, up to a maximum of $7,000.
Key Features
- Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
- Provides up to 50% of a student's salary, or 70% for underrepresented students
- Focused on meaningful Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities
- Supports students in developing foundational and entrepreneurial skills
- Available for employers across Canada's digital economy
Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the application process, it's crucial to understand whether your organization meets the eligibility criteria for the WIL Digital program. Here are the primary requirements:
- Eligible Employers: Businesses and organizations operating within Canada's digital economy. Post-secondary institutions are not eligible.
- Net New Requirement: Positions offered must be “net new,” meaning they must be additional roles that would not have existed without the WIL Digital funding.
- Student Eligibility: The students hired must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and must be either Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Application Timing: Applications must be created in the portal before the student's start date.
Application Process
The application process for the WIL Digital program has been streamlined to ensure employers can easily access the funds needed to hire talented students. Here are the steps involved:
- Pre-screening: Complete the eligibility criteria prescreen for each intended application. Employers have the option to waitlist their applications for future terms (Summer 2024, Fall 2024).
- Create an Account: Access the application portal through Survey Monkey. If you don’t already have an account, you will need to register to gain access.
- Application Submission: Once the application's eligibility is pre-screened and accepted, you'll receive an email notification inviting you to complete the full application form.
- Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents, which may include proof of the student’s enrollment in a post-secondary institution, proof of Canadian residency status, and other requisite details about the role and the organization.
- Approval and Agreement: Upon approval, a formal agreement will be established between ICTC and your organization, outlining the terms of the wage subsidy.
Benefits for Employers
Applying for the WIL Digital grant can provide substantial benefits to your business:
- Financial Savings: Reduce your wage expenses by receiving up to $7,000 per student employed.
- Access to Talent: Gain access to a pool of motivated and talented post-secondary students who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your projects.
- Skill Development: Contribute to developing a skilled workforce by providing students with hands-on experience in the digital economy.
- Enhanced Productivity: Additional manpower can help in executing larger projects, improving overall productivity.
Important Dates
To ensure your application is considered, be mindful of the critical dates associated with the WIL Digital program:
- Funding for Summer 2024: Available now.
- Intake for Fall 2024: Begins on June 01, 2024.
- Application Waitlist: Employers have the option to waitlist their applications for either Summer or Fall 2024 terms.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need assistance with your application, the WIL Digital team is available to help:
- Phone: 613-237-8551
- Application Assistance: Extension 159
- General Questions & Partnerships: Extension 842
- Email: wil_digital@ictc-ctic.ca
For more information about the WIL Digital program, you can visit their website at ICTC WIL Digital.
Conclusion
The WIL Digital program offers a unique opportunity for Canadian businesses to benefit from the technical skills and fresh perspectives of post-secondary students while reducing the financial burden of hiring through generous wage subsidies. By taking advantage of this grant, employers can play an active role in shaping Canada's digital future and ensuring that emerging talent is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern workforce. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your team with new talent and innovation—apply for the WIL Digital grant today.
