Talent Opportunities Program — Student Work Placement Program

Hiring post-secondary students can be a smart way to bring fresh skills into your business, but wage costs often limit how many placements employers can offer. The Talent Opportunities Program — Student Work Placement Program helps offset those costs by providing wage subsidies for employers who create new work-integrated learning opportunities such as co-op terms and internships. Delivered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the program supports businesses and not-for-profit organizations across Ontario and the rest of Canada, regardless of industry.

Through this program, employers can receive funding support of up to $7,000 per student to cover a portion of wages for eligible placements. The subsidy is designed to encourage “net new” student roles, making it especially valuable for organizations looking to expand their teams or test out new talent without taking on the full financial risk. Higher levels of support may be available when hiring students from under-represented groups, though funding at that level is limited and demand is high.

The Talent Opportunities Program is currently accepting applications for upcoming student work terms, making timing an important consideration for employers planning future hires. For businesses interested in building stronger talent pipelines while reducing hiring costs, reviewing the program details can help determine how this wage subsidy might fit into your workforce plans.