Hiring skilled talent in clean technology is both challenging and costly. The Career Launcher Clean Tech Internships program helps Canadian employers by covering a large portion of intern wages. If you plan to hire an intern for a clean tech role, this wage subsidy can lower your payroll costs. It also helps you build a team ready for the future.
Career Launcher — Clean Tech Internships is a national wage subsidy program delivered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). It supports employers who hire interns for clean technology and environmental roles by reimbursing a significant share of wages.
Employers receive the funding after they pay eligible wages, which helps with cash flow during the internship.
This program is for employers working in clean technology or environmental solutions.
You may qualify if your organization:
Both private-sector businesses and eligible non-profits can apply, as long as the role supports clean tech goals.
Examples of eligible clean tech positions include:
If your role supports environmental outcomes or clean innovation, it likely fits the program’s criteria.
Applying is simple, but timing is important.
Define the internship role
Make sure the position is clean tech–related and lasts a full 8 months.
Prepare your internship plan
Outline duties, learning outcomes, supervision, and wage details.
Submit an application through Career Launcher
Applications are reviewed by Colleges and Institutes Canada.
Hire the intern and track payroll
Pay wages upfront and keep payroll records.
Receive the wage subsidy reimbursement
Eligible costs are reimbursed up to 80%, capped at $30,000.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you compare wage subsidy programs by province, industry, and role type in seconds.
No. The Career Launcher Clean Tech Internships wage subsidy is non-repayable. Employers do not need to pay back the funding, as long as they follow program rules.
To keep the funding, you must:
Always review your funding agreement to make sure you understand all conditions.
Proposing a non–clean tech role
General admin or sales roles without a clear environmental link are often rejected.
Shortening the internship term
Internships must be 8 months. Shorter placements are not eligible.
Assuming wages are paid upfront
You must pay the intern first, then receive reimbursement.
Ignoring stacking rules
Combining this subsidy with other hiring grants may be allowed, but only if all program rules are followed.
For more on stacking, see: How Student Work Placement Wage Subsidies Stack With Provincial Hiring Incentives.
Q: How much funding can I receive per intern?
You can receive up to 80% of eligible wages, capped at $30,000 per 8‑month internship.
Q: Does the internship have to be exactly 8 months?
Yes. The program requires an 8-month internship duration to qualify for funding.
Q: Who can apply for Career Launcher Clean Tech Internships?
Employers in Canada hiring interns for clean technology or environmental roles can apply, subject to program approval.
Q: Can I combine this wage subsidy with other grants?
Stacking may be possible, but it depends on the rules of each program involved. Always disclose other funding sources.
Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable?
Wage subsidies are generally treated as taxable assistance for the employer. Confirm with your accountant for your specific situation.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada, including clean tech hiring supports. This makes it easier to find what matches your business needs.
If you want to hire clean tech talent, the Career Launcher Clean Tech Internships wage subsidy can lower your payroll costs and help you grow your team. Before you apply, compare this program with other hiring incentives to make the best choice. GrantHub helps you see all your options in one place, so you can plan your next steps with confidence.
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