Clean Foundation — Green Jobs

Finding skilled, job-ready talent can be a challenge for employers in Nova Scotia’s natural resources sectors, especially when budgets are tight and projects are evolving quickly. The Clean Foundation — Green Jobs program helps bridge that gap by offsetting the cost of hiring young people into meaningful, paid internship roles. Designed for organizations working in areas like energy, forestry, mining, and earth sciences, the program makes it easier to bring new talent onto your team while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable workforce.

Through this initiative, eligible employers can receive substantial wage support for each intern they hire, covering up to roughly three-quarters of salary costs. Funding can reach about $24,000 per intern for women and racialized youth, and up to around $30,000 for Indigenous youth, youth living with a disability, or those from northern or remote communities. The program supports youth between the ages of 15 and 30, helping them gain hands-on experience while allowing employers to invest in growth, innovation, and capacity-building without taking on the full financial risk.

Available to small businesses, larger enterprises, and non-profit organizations in Nova Scotia, the Clean Foundation — Green Jobs program is generally ongoing and currently accepting applications when funding windows are open. For employers considering their next hire, exploring the full program details can help determine how this wage subsidy fits into your workforce and project plans.