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Employer Wage Subsidy Programs

Blue Future Pathways is proud to partner with leading national organizations to offer wage subsidies for employers hiring students throughout 2026. We currently facilitate two specialized wage subsidy programs to support employer recruitment goals: ICTC-CTIC and ECO Canada.

Why Apply?

These programs allow employers to save on hiring costs while gaining access to a pool of diverse, motivated talent in the ocean and water sectors. By participating, your organization will play an active role in supporting the next generation of leaders in the Sustainable Blue Economy

Receive Up to $5,000 Per Student Hire!

Our partner programs can fund up to 50% of a student’s salary (maximum $5,000). We’re committed to team diversity and are able to support employers in adopting inclusive hiring.

Eligibility

To qualify for these wage subsidy programs, the following criteria must be met:

  • The new hire must currently be an enrolled student and hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.
  • The employer must be a Canadian company or organization. Note that federal departments and academic institutions are not eligible.
  • Placement must be directly related to the student’s post-secondary education program.
  • The placement must be 6-16 weeks long, and the student must work a minimum of 180 hours throughout the placement.

Get started by completing the application form below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and places are offered first-come, first-served. Apply early so you don’t miss the boat!

Which Program is Right for Your Organization?

While our eligibility criteria for organizations are the same for both programs, we offer two streams based on the primary focus of the role you are filling:

  • ICTC-CTIC Wage Subsidy: Select this stream if the role includes a digital component.
  • ECO Canada Wage Subsidy: Select this stream if the role is STEM-related.

Not sure which stream fits your specific position? Contact our team and we will be happy to guide you!