Get Funding for Student Placements through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)

Looking to hire post-secondary students? You’re just in time, the Student Work Placement Program is starting to accept applications for Summer 2026.

What is the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)?

In an effort to bridge the gap between formal post-secondary education and the demands of the job market, the Student Work Placement Program was launched. This wage subsidy program targets employers who can foster education and workplace experience for post-secondary students in their field of study.

How much do employers get from the SWPP?

The SWPP funds up to 50% of the wages (to a maximum of $5,000) for each student placement.

An increased wage subsidy of up to 70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) is also available to employers who hire students who are in their first year or are from an under-represented group, including: 

• Women in STEM
• Persons with disabilities
• Newcomers
• Indigenous students
• Visible minorities

Who is eligible?

The Student Work Placement Program is currently being delivered through Employment and Social Development Canada’s Employer Delivery Partners. This means that the requirements for which employers are eligible may vary depending on the delivery partner. 

However, we have determined common requirements across each partner organization:

• A registered Canadian business or not-for-profit organization;
• Must be able to provide a work integrated learning experience;
• The employer must have general liability insurance; and
• The student position must be net new.

Where to apply for the SWPP?

The SWPP is delivered through 18 partner organizations or associations that represent the interests of different industries/sectors.

The full list of delivery partners are:

1. Technation - for tech immersive roles
2. Information and Communications Technology Council - for employers in the ICT sector
3. Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace - for the aviation and aerospace sector
4. ECO Canada - for environmental and sustainability work placements
5. BioTalent Canada - for biotechnology or healthcare organizations
6. Electricity Human Resources Canada - for the electricity industry
7. Mining Industry Human Resources Council - for the mining industry
8. Venture for Canada - for startups and small businesses
9. Magnet Student Work Placement Program - for all Canadian private sector Employers or not-for-profit Employers
10. Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium - for Canadian manufacturers
11. Ontario Chamber of Commerce - for all Canadian private sector Employers or not-for-profit Employers
12. Tourism HR Canada - for the tourism industry
13. Culture Works Canada - for cultural employers
14. Trucking HR Canada - for the trucking and logistics industry
15. Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council - for the agriculture industry
16. Food Processing Skills Canada - for Canadian food and beverage manufacturers/businesses
17. Canadian Media Producers Association - for production companies
18. FCCQ - for Quebec businesses

Want to know more?

If you're not sure which SWPP partner is the best fit or you’d just rather skip the back-and-forth, we can help. Reach out to us today to get started or learn more about how the SWPP can support your hiring plans.