2020 has been a challenging year for Canada’s labour market, directly affecting employers, employees and young people preparing to enter an uncertain workforce.
In response, and with $32 million in additional funding from the Government of Canada, the TECHNATION Career Ready Program has increased its wage subsidy coverage from 50 per cent to 75 per cent as a COVID-19 measure. Employers can now receive up to $7,500 in wage subsidy for each student hired for a 4-month placement.
Through the Career Ready Program, students can find meaningful work, and businesses have a low cost, low risk option to scale up. This allows students to apply their learning in a practical setting, where skills—ranging from technology to marketing communications—can be applied and honed to their highest advantage. Students will also learn the value of teamwork and the challenge of problem-solving through workplace experience.
Last year, 3,500 students participated in the Career Ready Program. Over the next year, that number is projected to increase to over 7,000. TECHNATION hits these milestones by saying “Yes” to nearly every business (99% of applications) that applies for funding because they believe tech is a part of every business—from agriculture to transportation to non-profit, and of course, Canada’s most pioneering tech companies.
The Career Ready Program is available to students currently enrolled in studies at a post-secondary level. Employers interested in participating in the program may qualify if they provide a meaningful and encouraging work opportunity in a range of tech-immersive roles.
Visit itactalent.ca to learn more.
Photo by NESA by Makers on Unsplash