Module 7

3. Wage Subsidies, Grants and Compliance Supports

Photo: Courtesy of the Civil Engineering Technology Co-op program at Camosun College

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements are not only a valuable investment in future talent but also a financially supported one. Across Canada, several wage subsidy and grant programs exist to reduce the financial burden on employers while ensuring student workers are treated fairly and compensated appropriately.

In this section, we outline key programs available to help employers host paid WIL placements while maintaining compliance with provincial and federal employment standards. These programs are especially useful for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profits, and employers in innovation or research sectors.

Funding Programs That Support WIL

The following programs offer direct or indirect financial support for hosting WIL students:

1. Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)

  • Federally funded program administered through Employer Delivery Partners
  • Offers up to 50–70% wage subsidies for student placements
  • Covers co-ops, internships, mentorship programs, and more
  • Must be tied to a student’s field of study and provide meaningful work experience

Source: Employment and Social Development Canada

2. Mitacs Programs

  • Accelerate: Funds research-based internships in partnership with academic institutions. Employers contribute $7,500 and receive a $15,000 award per internship.
  • Business Strategy Internship (BSI): Focuses on innovation and business development. Funding ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per placement, with flexible models to support intern stipends and project costs.
  • Both programs require academic and workplace supervision, a formal application, and structured learning outcomes.

Source: Mitacs Canada

3. NRC IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)

  • Offers wage support and advisory services for SMEs engaged in innovation or R&D
  • Provides funding for hiring youth talent and supporting clean technology or AI projects
  • Can be layered with other federal or provincial support programs

Source: National Research Council of Canada

4. SR&ED Tax Credit (British Columbia)

  • Provides a 10% refundable or non-refundable tax credit for corporations conducting eligible research and development activities in B.C.
  • Can apply to qualified wages for student researchers or interns working on R&D projects
  • Must meet eligibility criteria and be claimed within 18 months of the fiscal year-end

Source: Government of British Columbia

5. Columbia Basin Trust Wage Subsidies and Grant Programs

  • Offers a directory of programs supporting employment, innovation, and workforce development
  • Includes job experience programs, youth community service awards, and support for non-profits
  • Ideal for employers in B.C.’s Columbia Basin region looking to hire WIL students

Source: Columbia Basin Trust Grants Directory

Considerations for Employers

When applying for funding:

  • Ensure the student’s role meets the requirements of the funding program, such as field of study, full-time enrollment, and project type.
  • Keep track of application deadlines, contribution amounts, and reporting requirements.
  • Confirm that any funding received does not exempt you from your obligations under the Employment Standards Act, including minimum wage, a safe workplace, and proper supervision.
  • Gain clarity on the legal distinctions between paid and unpaid WIL placements under B.C.'s Employment Standards Act, including when unpaid placements are legally exempt and how to avoid misclassification.
  • Explore ethical responsibilities that go beyond compliance, such as offering equitable access, accommodations, and inclusive supervision to support safe and meaningful student experiences.
  • Review wage subsidy and funding programs, including SWPP, Mitacs, NRC IRAP, and SR&ED tax credits, that help employers offer paid placements while maintaining legal and ethical standards.
  • Reach out to your local campus for support in deciding which funding is most applicable to your needs.

If you are ready to hire one or more students, there is a tool from ACE-WIL BC that makes advertising the opportunity easy, free, and available on every campus with one email. Check out the “Post a Job Opportunity” link to instantly post at all 25 public post-secondary schools, or select which schools you would like to post at.

Why Post at All Schools?

  • Often, students attend different schools from those in their home community, so they may apply if they see an opportunity in their own community.
  • Campuses change programs and offerings regularly. Did you know that most colleges now have degree programs in addition to diploma or certificate programs?
  • There are fantastic and talented students at every school and in every term. Schools will self-select out of posting your position if it does not suit the student body.

Give it a try at Post a Job Opportunity!