Student Training and Employment Program (STEP)

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the STEP subsidy include private-sector employers, non-government organizations or agencies, First Nations, municipal governments, and Government of Yukon departments. Additionally, employers must be legally entitled to operate a business in Yukon, have an office in Yukon with a local contact person, and have been operating in Yukon for at least one year.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant:

• Public-sector employers
• Businesses not legally entitled to operate in Yukon
• Organizations without a local office and contact person in Yukon
• New businesses operating in Yukon for less than 1 year

Eligible expenses

The STEP subsidy assists with covering eligible expenses directly related to employing a post-secondary student for the summer.

• Wages paid to the student according to the STEP wage scale.
• Third Party Liability Insurance coverage cost for employees under the program.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located in the Yukon, as specified by the eligibility requirements of the program. Eligible locations are integral to benefiting the local economy and ensuring opportunities for students in the region.

• Businesses legally entitled to operate in Yukon.
• Organizations with an office in Yukon with a local contact person.
• Entities that have been operating in Yukon for at least 1 year.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

• Jobs should relate to a student’s field of study and benefit their future career.
• Guaranteed minimum of 450 hours of work with at least 32 hours per week.
• Employment period between May 1 and September 1.
• Pays based on the STEP wage scale.

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

• Step 1: Complete Employer Application/Agreement Form
• Obtain the Employer Application/Agreement form.
• Fill out all sections accurately, providing complete information about your organization and the job position.
• Step 2: Submit the Application
• Submit your completed application before the deadline of November 15, 2024.
• You can submit your application in person at 1000 Lewes Boulevard in Whitehorse, via email to terilee.huff@yukon.ca, or by mail to the Government of Yukon, Employment Programs Officer (E-13), Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6.
• Step 3: Await Approval Notification
• Wait for an email confirmation in early December 2024, notifying you if your application has been approved.
• Step 4: STEP Job Posting
• Check the STEP jobs publication on the website in mid December 2024 to view your approved job listing.
• Step 5: Receive Hiring Package
• Receive the hiring package in early March 2025 containing instructions, forms, student applications, and resumes.
• Step 6: Shortlist and Interview Candidates
• Shortlist suitable candidates and conduct interviews throughout March 2025.
• Step 7: Job Offer Notification
• Make job offers by April 4, 2025, and notify students who were not successful in interviews.
• Step 8: Submit Results Form
• Submit the Results Form by April 11, 2025, indicating your hiring decision.
• Step 9: Employment Period
• Ensure students start their employment by May 1, 2025, and complete it by September 1, 2025.
• Step 10: Final Claims Submission
• Submit final claims for wage reimbursement by October 1, 2025.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• All employers must provide proof of Third Party Liability Insurance covering employees under the program.
• If a collective agreement exists, consultation with the union and written agreement to hire a student is required.
• The subsidy is capped at $7.20 per hour for 450 to 600 hours of employment.