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Student Work Placement
Get up to $5,000 in Funding Support
The Student Work Placement Program works with employers across Canada to fund meaningful work experience placements for students as they transition from their field of study into employment in the environmental sector. Eligible employers can receive a reimbursement of 50% of a student’s salary up to $5000 for 6–16-week placements relating to a student’s program in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) and Business.
This program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Employment and Social Development Program.
Students Are Ready. Funding Won’t Wait
ECO Canada’s Student Work Placement Program helps Canadian employers like you hire post-secondary students while receiving 50% to 70% wage coverage, up to $7,000 per placement. You already have students working for you, don’t leave money on the table.
Funding Will Cover a 6 to 16 Week Full-time or Part Time Student Placements
Funding ends March 31, act now to claim up to $7,000 per student
How Does the Student Work Placement Program Work?
1. Apply Online
Quick employer application
2. Confirm Your Student
Must be hired Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 and still working
3. Receive Funding
Get 50–70% of the student’s wages (up to $7,000) by March 31
Who Can Participate?
Shape the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Employer Breakdown
- The program is open to businesses and non-profits of all sizes.
- The employer must be a Canadian-owned or Canadian subsidiary (excludes municipalities, governments, and post-secondary institutions).
- The placement must be 6-16 weeks long, and the student must work a minimum of 180 hours throughout the placement.
- The placement is not required to be formally registered with a post-secondary institution.
Launch Your Career
Student Breakdown
- There are no age restrictions for applicants.
- Funding is focused around the STEAM & Business fields.
- Placement must be directly related to the student’s post-secondary education program.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution
- This program is open to students who hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.
- Priority will be given to female students in STEAM fields, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous students, first-year students, and recent immigrants.
- The student is not required to be in a formal co-op program with the post-secondary institution.
What You Will Gain
Pipeline for talent
Welcome motivated young talent into your team early and have trained talent available upon graduation.
Financial support
Receive up to $5000 in valuable wage funding support designed to alleviate the financial commitments of hiring students.
Work Experience
Gain hands-on experience in real job environments that match your interests and goals.
Career Pathways
Explore new industries, expand your network, and open doors to long-term employment opportunities.
Students Are Ready. Funding Won’t Wait
ECO Canada’s Student Work Placement Program helps Canadian employers like you hire post-secondary students while receiving 50% or up to $5,000 per placement. You already have students working for you, don’t leave money on the table.
Funding Will Cover a 6 to 16 Week Full-time or Part Time Student Placements
Get the Details You Need
Download
the Program Guide
Learn everything about the program, eligibility, funding, placement details, and step-by-step instructions for both employers and participants.
Fill out the form to access the full guide.
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Take the first step today
Key Highlights at a Glance
A quick overview of the most important details about the Green Horizons program for both youth participants and employers.
- Placement Dates: April 1st, 2026 – February 15th, 2027
- Placement Duration: 6-16 weeks, full-time or part-time
- Wage Support: 50% reimbursement up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Current post-secondary students in STEAM and Business programs
- Location: Canada-wide
Interested to Apply?
For Students
Are you a current post-secondary student seeking a short-term work experience placement to complement your post-secondary education and gain meaningful experience in your field?
For Employers
Are you looking to build your talent pipeline, gain valuable wage funding support, and provide meaningful work experience to motivated students?
For questions about the program or placement/application process, see our frequently asked questions or contact our Employment Programs team today.
Employment Programs Team
Phone: (403) 906-3132
Email: pathways@eco.ca
How it Works
Start by taking an eligibility quiz.
After the quiz, complete your application to get approved for one or more programs.
Confirm your selected candidate.
Once confirmed, secure your position by signing your funding agreement.
Find a qualified candidate.
Have the candidate submit a participant application for review.
Attend an onboarding session.
Complete your progress reports, and provide pay statement to receive your wage funding.
As an approved Host Employer, you are committed to the success of the placement, the candidate and the overall growth of qualified environmental workers in Canada. We look forward to working with your team to meet these objectives!
