Hiring and training staff is costly. To help, governments across Canada offer workforce training grants, wage subsidies, and internship programs. These programs can reduce your payroll and training expenses, but each has its own rules. The key is knowing which programs your business can apply for—and what you need to qualify.
This guide explains the main eligibility rules, using real Canadian programs as examples, including the Apprenticeship START Program in Nova Scotia.
Workforce training grants help employers cover the cost of training new or existing employees. These grants usually pay for third-party training, not wages.
Common eligibility requirements:
Most training grants reimburse 50–80% of eligible training costs, depending on the program and employee group.
Wage subsidy programs pay back part of an employee’s wages for a set period. These programs often focus on hiring or keeping specific groups of workers.
Funders usually check:
The Apprenticeship START Program is a provincial wage subsidy for employers who hire registered apprentices in eligible skilled trades.
Key eligibility points:
Funding is paid as a wage subsidy after approval. The exact amount depends on the trade and intake.
Internship programs help cover the cost of hiring students or new graduates. Many are federally funded but delivered by third-party groups.
WIL Digital gives wage subsidies to employers who hire post-secondary students in digital or technology-related jobs.
Employer eligibility:
Funding levels change based on the student and the placement length.
This program, delivered by Clean Foundation, supports climate-related internships.
You are more likely to qualify if:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher let you filter programs by province, industry, and worker type in seconds.
Applying after the employee starts
Most wage subsidy programs need approval before the employee’s first day.
Stacking incompatible funding
Many programs do not allow using more than one wage subsidy for the same role.
Hiring contractors instead of employees
Nearly all workforce programs require the worker to be on payroll.
Assuming funding amounts are guaranteed
Funding is often capped, prorated, or paid as a reimbursement.
Q: Can small businesses qualify for wage subsidies?
Yes. Many programs focus on small and medium-sized businesses. For example, Graduate to Opportunity – GTO Grow targets businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
Q: Is Apprenticeship START funding taxable?
Wage subsidies are usually considered business income. Check with your accountant for details.
Q: Can I combine apprenticeship funding with federal tax credits?
Sometimes. Provincial wage subsidies may be used with federal apprenticeship tax credits, but you cannot claim both on the same wages.
Q: Do internship programs require full-time roles?
Most do. For example, Science Horizons requires full-time, paid placements for a set term.
Q: How long does approval usually take?
It depends. Some programs approve applications within weeks, while others have set intake periods.
Workforce training, wage subsidies, and internship programs can reduce hiring costs by thousands—if your business qualifies. GrantHub tracks over 100 active workforce funding programs across Canada, including apprenticeship and internship incentives. Check your eligibility early to hire with confidence and avoid missing out on funding.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.