Post-secondary students are the backbone of tomorrow’s environmental workforce. They bring fresh ideas, energy, and innovation to the industry. ECO Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) makes it easier than ever for employers to tap into this talent pool while receiving financial support through wage subsidies.
This program, funded by the Government of Canada’s Employment and Social Development Program, connects employers with students eager to gain real-world experience in environmental roles. By participating, you’re not just filling a position, you’re investing in the next generation of environmental leaders.
Why Join the Student Work Placement Program?
- Access Top Talent: Connect with motivated post-secondary students across Canada.
- Financial Support: Receive 50% to 70% wage coverage, up to $5,000 or $7,000 per placement.
- Flexible Placements: Full-time or part-time positions for 6 to 16 weeks, with a minimum of 180 hours.
- Simple Process: Apply online, get approved, recruit your student, and secure funding.
Whether you’re a small business or a large organization, this program is designed to help you grow while shaping the future of the environmental sector.
How It Works
- Apply Online
Complete a quick application to get started.
- Get Approved
Both employers and students receive pre-qualification confirmation by email.
- Recruit Your Student
Use ECO Canada’s Job Board or your own network to find the right candidate.
- Secure Funding
Once you’ve matched with a pre-approved student and signed contracts within 15 days, funding is confirmed.
- Receive Wage Subsidy
Employers receive up to $7,000 to offset student wages. Both parties complete reports during the placement.
Employer Success Stories: Hear from participants whose organizations have directly benefits from the Student Work Placement Program
Dr. Allen Sandwell, Co-founder and CTO of MakeSens Battery Technologies
- “MakeSens has been a company since around 2017, and we’ve been using ECO Canada funding for about the last 4 to 5 years. Being able to leverage funding for companies that maybe aren’t as economically viable in the beginning just because they’re on the forefront of technology development. Having these types of programs that help us out with wage subsidies and other financial assistance has been extremely valuable. I recommend ECO Canada for sure.”
- “It allows us to open up our hiring pool a little bit more to look at people where we might want to invest a little bit more of our resources in developing their expertise, their experience.“
Click here to watch MakeSens’ Success Story
Jody, WalterFedy
- “We’ve been partnering with ECO Canada for the last 3 years. It allows us to invest in students, connect with young professionals, with co-ops, for those who are working with organizations in the environmental field.”
Click here to watch Walterfedy’s Success Story
Michelle, Owner of Aris Landscape Design
- “I was doing some research on grants. We were in a position where we were growing a little, but we didn’t have the funds to have a full-time staff. So, I did some research and ECO Canada came up online and so I applied for their wage funding and we were approved.”
- “With us having the ability to have Lara on our team, that’s given us the chance to keep our doors open when we would have had to close, but it’s also given us the chance to allow me to learn how to ask for more help. It brings you so much joy to see a student grow and thrive in your company. It is so well worth it. It gives you a sense of security. It gives you a sense that you found a good match and that it’ll be sustainable and long-lasting.”
Click here to watch Aris Landscape Design’s Success Story
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join the Canadian employers who are shaping the environmental workforce. Apply today and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to grow your team while supporting students.
Apply as an Employer today: https://bit.ly/4hco2UQ
Still looking for an intern? Post your open role on ECO Canada’s Job Board to reach qualified students across Canada. Click here to view job packages: https://eco.ca/new-practitioners/employment-support/job-board/post-a-job/
