Work-integrated learning for employers

By exposing students to digital agriculture early on, organizations are able to foster new talent with in-demand skills, strengthening the talent pipeline.

Critical thinking, decision-making, and collaboration are some of the most important skills employers in digital agriculture look for in hiring talented employees fit for their organization. Employers who hire through WIL programs are able to develop these skill sets, making for a stronger workforce now and in the future.

When you participate in WIL programs, you make a direct connection to academia. Students can provide academic expertise to help solve research problems in the digital agriculture industry, including current challenges within your organization. Employers that hire through WIL programs can receive funding to offset the cost of hiring students. We know that this that can be daunting to navigate. Let us help!

The AgriDiversity Program assists Canadian organizations working in the agriculture and agri-food sector to support projects aimed at helping Indigenous Peoples, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. AAFC will cover a maximum of 70% of eligible costs and funding, up-to $200,000 per year. This program is for not-for-profit organizations and academia organizations. Apply Here. Visit AgriDiversity Program - agriculture.canada.ca to learn more.

This program looks to support approximately 1200 jobs for youth in the agriculture and agri-food industry. YESP offers to cover 50% of wages for youth with non-barriers and 80% of salaries of youth facing employment barriers, for example Indigenous youth, youth with disability, racialized youth, etc. Applications from Indigenous applicants will be prioritized. Apply today. Visit YESP to learn more.

Biotalent’s SWPP offers employers up to $7,000 in wage subsidies to help hire post-secondary students in STEM, biotechnology, and many other programs. This program looks to support talent development and increase job-readiness. Learn more about current and future funding opportunities

BioTalent’s Career Starter Program helps facilitate the transition of barriered youth aged 15-30, into the labour market, and introduce them to a career in the bioeconomy. This program provides employers with 50% of a youth’s salary, with a maximum of $15,000 for a three to six-month job placement. Learn more about the Career Starter Program.

BioTalent’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program is a wage subsidy for employers in STEM related fields to hire post-secondary graduates. Employers hire new talent, while students develop their skills and on-the-job experience. Eligible employers can receive up to 80% coverage of a participant’s salary, with a maximum of $25,000. There is an additional wage subsidy of up to $5,000 to cover training or development costs that employers may be eligible for. The internship program must be full-time for six to twelve months. STEM has helped grow the digital agriculture sector with innovative technologies, and address food security. This program is great for those in agri-food, plant proteins, and digital agriculture.

CAHRC’s Growing Opportunities Student Wage Subsidy Program allows employers to hire post-secondary students as part of a work-integrated learning program. This program focuses on connecting post-secondary students and employers in the agriculture industry to prepare a strong workforce for Canadian agriculture. Learn more. 

The Canada Summer Jobs Grant funds experiential learning opportunities. It is a wage subsidy for not-for-profit employers to employ youth aged 15-30 and create a quality summer work experience. Learn more about funding opportunities. 

ICTC’s Pathway to Employment for Newcomers provides employers with a 70% wage subsidy, up to $15,000 for hiring newcomers into digital economy jobs. This program connects internationally educated IT professionals with Canadian employers. Employees hired through this program also gain access to foundational and work-ready e-Learning courses from ICTC.

ICTC WIL Digital Program helps employers grow their businesses by providing funding to hire post-secondary students within the digital economy. WIL Digital provides 50% of the student’s salary up to $5,000, or 70% up to $7,000 for underrepresented students. Learn more about applying for WIL Digital Funding. Reach out to EMILI at info@emilicanada.com to learn more about a fast-track application process for Manitoba digital agriculture companies.

The Mitacs Accelerate program connects organizations with post-secondary students to help solve industry research challenges by providing funding for innovative projects. Students can be from any academic discipline. Project proposals can be submitted year-round.

Mitacs offers further funding to help empower Indigenous innovation, with Indigenous Pathways. Partner organizations will only need to contribute 25% of total project costs. To qualify, partner organizations must be at least 50% Indigenous owned, a not-for-profit organization with a board of directors of at least 50% who self-identify as Indigenous, have an Indigenous mandate, or have a self-identified Indigenous intern. This pathway is applicable to all Mitacs programs.

The First Jobs Fund looks to support non-profit organizations or non-government organizations looking to hire youth between the ages of 15 to 29 who face multiple barriers to employment. Priority will be given to proposals that include paid work opportunities, Indigenous-led organizations, and organizations who support Truth and Reconciliation activities. Applications will be accepted till July 31, 2023. Visit First Jobs Fund to learn more and to apply.