Wage Subsidy Program
Overview
This program provides funding to employers to hire NWT residents with minimal work experience and education by offsetting the cost of hiring and training.
The goal is to provide work experience and training for up to 52 weeks to better enable participants to obtain meaningful long-term employment.
Available Funding
Assistance provided under the Wage Subsidy Program will not exceed $30,000 in wage subsidies and $500 in special equipment costs, to a total maximum of $30,500 per client. An exception is made for Persons with Disabilities, who may access additional support funding. Employers must contribute a minimum of 20% toward the wages/benefits of each client/employee over and above the subsidy.
This program may not be used to fund federal or territorial government positions.
Deadline
There is no deadline to apply. This program can be accessed at any time.
Eligibility
Employer eligibility: Registered businesses, industry associations, local housing authorities, non-government organizations, Indigenous organizations, and local, municipal, or Indigenous governments are eligible for assistance.
Registered businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of six months.
Employers must apply within three months of the individual starting the position that the employer is applying for.
Individual eligibility: Client must be of school leaving age (16 years or older), residing in the Northwest Territories, and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or protected person, as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, who is entitled to work in Canada.
Unless warranted by exceptional circumstances, an employer’s immediate family members (employer’s mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, common-law spouse, child, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchild, father-in-law, mother-in-law) are ineligible.
How to apply
To apply, contact your ECE Regional Service Centre.
To access funding, employers must:
- meet a Career Development Officer to complete an Employer Application form
- Provide a detailed job description.
- Include an Employee Development Plan
The employee will provide:
- Fully completed and signed Application for Service; and
- Updated copy of resume.