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 for Winter Placement Funding Now Open
We will cover up to 75% of a student’s wages to $7,500 when employers hire the brightest minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) and Business.
- Funding is for paid work terms. Work terms can be full time or part time from 6 – 16 weeks.
- Students gain valuable on-the-job experience
- Employers increase future talent pool and resource availability
- Students and Employers are required to find their own co-op placement
- Three sessions per year: Winter (January-April), Summer (May-August), Fall (September-December)
- Applications open 3 months prior to start of 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)
UPDATES: Winter 2020/2021 applications are now open!
Host organizations may complete multiple applications for funding in the upcoming semester. Submit your application early to secure your funding. Once your funding is secured, you can begin your search for qualified, talented students to fill the position.
If you have not received contracts for your current approved placement please contact us at coop@eco.ca and we will complete the process.
COVID19 Updates for SWP funding
- Employers will have the flexibility to postpone placement start dates
- Employers can continue to submit applications and receive approval for funding prior to finalizing their selection of student
- Placements must complete a minimum of 180 hours of work over a 6-16 week timeframe
- If requested, small- and medium-sized employers (who have fewer than 500 employees) and non-profit organizations will be able to receive a portion of the wage subsidies up-front
- Students will be able to work from home
- Post-secondary institutions (universities, colleges and polytechnics) will be able to be the employer of record to offer meaningful placements to students
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 up to 75% of a Co-op student’s pay in wage funding.
You must provide a paid work term in a STEAM/business role to be eligible for funding.
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.
Important Applicant Information:
- Employers can apply for back-to-back placements for the same student
- Students do not have to be enrolled in their school’s co-op programs to participate and there is NO AGE RESTRICTION
- Work terms are flexible. We are able to support paid placements as short as 6 weeks, to a maximum of 16 weeks, that are full time or part time. Contact us if you are unsure and we can provide guidance.
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
Hear from our 2016-2017 Wage Funding program participants about their experiences.
Read our case study of AWES and discover how Wage Funding benefits both employers and interns in our interview.
Free Employability Guide
20 Pages of Tips & Advice
Communications | Project Management | Technical Writing and more
Thanks to our funders who make these successes possible!
