Open
Last Update: May 7, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000
Timeline
- Open Date : March 30, 2026
- Closing date : August 31, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Get a wage subsidy covering up to 50% of a post-secondary student’s pay, to a maximum of $5,000 per placement, when you hire the student for a meaningful tech-focused work term.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : March 30, 2026
- Closing date : August 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Career Ready Program facilitates student work placements in tech-immersive roles within high-growth sectors. This initiative supports projects that enhance tech skills through real-world applications, thus enabling innovation and development in numerous fields.
- Roles in digital technology, encompassing IT, digital marketing, and software engineering.
- Positions related to AI, IoT, Machine Learning, and Advanced Manufacturing.
- Engagements in cybersecurity projects.
- Roles in Agri-Tech and Clean Tech sectors.
- Health Tech positions facilitating technological advancements in healthcare.
Documents Needed
- Employer Application Manual
- Student Application Manual
- Employer Guide
- Student Program Guide
- Student Readiness Package
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered Canadian businesses.
- Registered Canadian non-profits.
Who is not eligible
- Large financial sector employers.
- Post-secondary institutions.
- Municipalities.
Eligible expenses
The Career Ready Program aims to integrate students into tech-focused roles within companies, bolstering their skills while meeting industry needs. Eligible roles are varied and include aspects of marketing, strategy, and data technology.
- Tech roles in digital marketing, including market research, industry analysis, and branding.
- Strategy roles such as consulting, analysts, and business development.
- Data and technology roles, including data analysis, AI/machine learning, software development, and IT support.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Hiring a student as a freelancer or consultant.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Priority is given to students from underrepresented groups.
- Preference is given to tech-immersive roles in high-growth sectors.
- Placements are allocated across provinces and territories based on population distribution.
How to apply
1
Access Application Portal
- Go to TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program website.
- Click on the link to start your application in the application portal.
2
Complete Initial Application Stage
- Fill out the application form with necessary details about your organization and the intended student hires.
- Indicate whether you are hiring students from underrepresented groups.
- Specify the tech-immersive role and its relevance to the high-growth sectors.
3
Submit Application
- Review the completed application form for accuracy and completeness.
- Send candidacy application to student via their institutional email.
- Submit the application via the online portal.
4
Confirmation of Application
Await a confirmation email that your application has been received and is being processed.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed for eligibility.
- Approved applications move through additional review stages before payment.
- Funding is deposited electronically after final review.
- Processing may take longer when funds are distributed fairly across regions.
Additional information
- Applications are managed through SurveyMonkey Apply.
- The application process uses a three-stage workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions about the TECHNATION — Career Ready Program Program
What is the TECHNATION — Career Ready Program?
Get a wage subsidy covering up to 50% of a post-secondary student’s pay, to a maximum of $5,000 per placement, when you hire the student for a meaningful tech-focused work term.
How much funding can be received?
TECHNATION — Career Ready Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is August 31, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the TECHNATION — Career Ready Program program?
To be eligible for the TECHNATION — Career Ready Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a registered Canadian business or non-profit organization.
Employers must provide a tech-focused work placement opportunity to a student.
Large financial sector employers, post-secondary institutions, and municipalities are not eligible.
What expenses are eligible under TECHNATION — Career Ready Program?
The Career Ready Program facilitates student work placements in tech-immersive roles within high-growth sectors. This initiative supports projects that enhance tech skills through real-world applications, thus enabling innovation and development in numerous fields. Roles in digital technology, encompassing IT, digital marketing, and software engineering.
Positions related to AI, IoT, Machine Learning, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Engagements in cybersecurity projects.
Roles in Agri-Tech and Clean Tech sectors.
Health Tech positions facilitating technological advancements in healthcare.
Who can I contact for more information about the TECHNATION — Career Ready Program?
You can contact TECHNATION (TECHNATION).
Where is the TECHNATION — Career Ready Program available?
The TECHNATION — Career Ready Program program is available across Canada.