Welcome to ECO Employment Programs! Working with the federal government as part of Canada’s Work Integrated Learning Strategy, we work with employers and post-secondary partners to help students kick-start their career path in the environmental sector.
Student Work Placement Program
Bridging the School-to-Work Transition
Wage Funding For Employers Committed To Cultivating the Next Generation of Environmental Professionals
Applications Now Open for Summer Placements
We provide 50% of a wage up to a maximum of $5,000 to eligible employers who hire the brightest minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) and Business.
- Students gain valuable on-the-job experience and employers increase future talent pool and resource availability
- We offer funding for three sessions per year: Winter, Summer, and Fall
- Student Candidates and Host Employers are required to find their own co-op placement
- Applications typically open 3 months prior to start of each co-op session
Additional funding may be available for employers who hire students from one of the following groups:
- Women in STEM
- Indigenous People
- Persons with Disabilities
- First-year Students
- Recent Immigrants (Permanent resident or refugee status)
- Visible Minorities
Host organizations may complete multiple applications for funding in the upcoming semester.
Important Applicant Information
- Students do not have to be enrolled in their school’s co-op programs to participate and there is no age restriction
- Employers can apply for back-to-back placements for the same student, and may also apply for multiple positions in the upcoming session
- Work terms are flexible. We are able to support paid placements as short as 6 weeks, to a maximum of 16 weeks. Placements can be full-time or part-time.
Submit your application early as funding is subject to availability. Once your application is received and confirmation given that you meet all eligibility requirements you become pre-qualified and can begin your search to fill the position. Once a candidate is found, and meets eligibility, then your funding can be secured. Contact us if you are unsure and we can provide guidance.
Looking for more information about the current session requirements? Begin your application to see the full eligibility requirements and current program updates related to COVID19.
Student Candidates
If you currently study at a university or college in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math (STEAM) and Business, you qualify!
You must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have Refugee status.
Students on a work permit or visa are not eligible.
Host Employers
Through Employment & Social Development Canada, the student work placement program will provide wage subsidies towards a Co-op student’s pay
You must provide a paid work term in a STEAM/business role to be eligible for funding. Click below to view the full eligibility criteria.
Post-Secondary Partners
We will be working closely with you to help students bridge the school-to-work transition. Our team provides career support services to environmental students and professionals.
We’re committed to youth employment in the environmental sector. As such you will receive assistance in marketing the program and work placements.
Did you Know?
We created 2000+ jobs last year and 90% of interns acquired full-time employment through our Wage Funding program.
We gave $25.1 M in wage subsidies to employers creating career opportunities for new graduates.
Green Job Success Stories
We asked environmental employers what their experience has been in our wage funding programs.
Hear directly from employers who took part in the program and how their organizations benefitted from student employment.
Free Employability Guide
20 Pages of Tips & Advice
Communications | Project Management | Technical Writing and more
Get In Touch
We're here to answer all your questions.
If you have not received contracts for your current approved placement please contact us and we will complete the process.