Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program

For small businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador, finding skilled talent while managing payroll costs can be a real challenge. The Small Enterprise Co‑op Placement Assistance Program helps address that gap by making it more affordable to bring a post‑secondary co‑op student into your business. By offsetting a portion of wages, the program allows employers to tap into fresh skills and ideas while contributing to the development of the province’s future workforce.

Delivered through the Department of Immigration, Skills, and Labour and administered by Memorial University’s co‑operative education services, this program supports placements with students from Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic. Employers can receive non‑repayable wage support of up to around $7,000 per student, depending on the placement, making it easier to create meaningful work terms tied to real business needs. These placements are designed to give students hands‑on experience while helping small and medium‑sized businesses advance projects, explore new capabilities, or build capacity they might not otherwise afford.

Applications are accepted on a regular, semester‑based cycle, and the program is well suited for businesses interested in long‑term talent development rather than short‑term help. For owners considering whether a co‑op placement fits their operations and hiring plans, taking a closer look at the program details can clarify how this opportunity could support your growth goals.