Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are key players within the Canadian economy. Without them, we wouldn’t have nearly as many innovative ideas and critical jobs. However, growing a business often comes with challenges, including finding and retaining top talent. This is where hiring grants and funding programs like the Career Launcher subsidies can be so beneficial to our businesses and our greater economy! By providing financial incentives and support, this funding empowers SMBs to expand their teams, access fresh perspectives, and ultimately accelerate their growth. Further, these programs help to create more jobs, particularly for young professionals who would benefit from entry-level and mentorship-based employment opportunities. Career Launcher is a prime example of how government initiatives can help businesses and people thrive.
If you found yourself on this page, it’s pretty likely that you’re on the hunt for ways to amplify the impact of your business without stretching yourself too thin. And, as you know, grants are an excellent way to achieve this! We’re here to help you – either through our intelligent matching platform, our expert grant writing services, or simply through our information-packed blog posts.
For our Ultimate Guide on Hiring Grants Click Here!
Discover More: Everything You Need to Know About Mitacs Grants Click Here!
Find Out More: How to Grow Your Team with the Student Work Placement Program Click Here!
We know that grants can be confusing – but with some experience, it becomes easier to navigate. Let us share our expertise and passion with you to help your business thrive. Now let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What is the Career Launcher Program?
In a nutshell, Career Launcher is a government-funded program aimed at supporting employers in hiring and training recent graduates. By providing financial incentives and resources, the program encourages businesses to create valuable work experiences for young professionals. This not only benefits the employer by injecting fresh talent and perspectives into their workforce, but it also equips graduates with the skills and experience necessary to kickstart their careers. A win-win!
At its core, Career Launcher is about fostering a symbiotic relationship between businesses and young talent. It’s a platform for employers to identify and nurture future leaders while empowering graduates to contribute meaningfully to the Canadian economy.
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) administers two main programs under the umbrella of Career Launcher, each targeting specific sectors and providing unique opportunities for students and employers. Both programs have some shared characteristics: wage subsidies, mentorship and training, skills development, and collaboration between academia and industry:
- Wage subsidies: Employers receive financial support to cover a portion of the intern’s salary.
- Mentorship and training: Interns receive mentorship and training to support their development.
- Focus on skills development: The programs aim to equip students with the skills needed for success in their chosen field.
- Collaboration between academia and industry: CICan works closely with colleges, universities, and employers to create meaningful internship experiences.
Let’s go into further detail for both the Clean Tech and the Natural Resources Career Launcher program.
A Summary of the Clean Tech Career Launcher Program
The Career Launcher program specifically focused on the Clean Technology (Clean Tech) sector is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada as part of their Science Horizons Youth Internship Program. This program offers financial incentives for Canadian businesses to hire and train young talent in the clean tech field – in fact, it provides up to $30,000 to offset the costs of hiring and training an intern!
Here are the key takeaways for employers:
- Financial Support: Employers can receive wage subsidies of up to $30,000 to cover a portion of the intern’s salary, training costs, and wrap-around services.
- Access to Top Talent: Connect with skilled and motivated students or recent graduates from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.
- Focus on Sustainability: Contribute to Canada’s clean technology development and environmental goals.
- Simple Application Process: Easily register and submit internship proposals online.
How does that program define Clean Technology? Clean Tech, according to this program’s stipulations, includes any process, good, or service that reduces environmental impacts through:
- Environmental protection activities
- Resource management activities
- Use of goods designed to be significantly less resource-intensive
To be even more specific, here are some examples of eligible internship placements:
- Green Manufacturing/Retail/Service
- Health (technologies and practices related to health and the environment)
- Resource Conservation/Management and Sustainable Development
- Sustainable Energy Systems (design, construction, improvement, and maintenance)
- Sustainable Planning (planning and construction of built spaces)
- Wildlife Conservation
A Summary of the Natural Resources Career Launcher Program
This program offers financial incentives for Canadian businesses to hire and train young talent for positions that contribute to the sustainable development of Canada’s natural resources.
Here’s what employers need to know about the program:
- Financial Support: Employers can receive wage subsidies of up to $30,000 to cover a portion of the intern’s salary and training expenses.
- Connection to Skilled Talent: Businesses can more easily access recent graduates or students with relevant skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), trades, or other specialized fields.
- Focus on Sustainability: Promote the responsible and efficient use of natural resources while contributing to Canada’s economic growth and environmental protection.
- Direct Application Process: Register and submit internship proposals online.
The Career Launcher program emphasizes internships that support projects focused on:
- Resource Conservation and Management: Preserving and optimizing the use of natural resources for future generations.
- Sustainable Development: Balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations in resource development.
- Clean Technologies: Implementing technologies that minimize environmental impact.
Some examples of eligible internship placements within the Natural Resources sector:
- Forestry (sustainable forest management, forest products innovation)
- Mining (exploration, mine operations, reclamation)
- Oil and Gas (extraction, production, environmental monitoring)
- Water Resources Management (conservation, treatment, infrastructure)
- Fisheries and Oceans (conservation, management, aquaculture)
Overall, the Career Launcher programs for both Clean Tech and Natural Resources offer a compelling opportunity for Canadian businesses to invest in the future of their business by training and hiring skilled young professionals, gain access to financial support, and reduce hiring costs. Ultimately, this is beneficial to Canada as a whole, as it supports a more sustainable economy and future for the country.
Benefits of the Career Launcher Program
For Employers
- Tap into Talent: Recent graduates bring creativity and up-to-date knowledge to the table. By participating in Career Launcher, you gain access to a pipeline of skilled and motivated individuals.
- Financial Boost: The program provides wage subsidies, which can significantly offset the costs of hiring new employees. This allows you to invest more in training and development, maximizing ROI in young talent.
- Skill Enhancement: Recent graduates often possess a strong academic foundation but may lack practical experience. Career Launcher provides an opportunity to develop their skills on the job, aligning their abilities with your specific business needs.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: By participating in Career Launcher, you demonstrate your commitment to supporting young people and contributing to the growth of the Canadian workforce. This enhances your company’s reputation as a socially responsible employer.
For Interns
- Gain Valuable Work Experience: Practical experience is foundational for career success. Career Launcher internships provide a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
- Develop Essential Skills: Beyond technical skills, internships foster the development of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Enhance Employability: Career Launcher internships can serve as a springboard to full-time employment.
Networking Opportunities: Internships offer a chance for interns to connect with professionals in their field, expanding their network and opening doors to future opportunities.
How Career Launcher Can Benefit Different Types of Businesses
The Career Launcher programs fall into two categories: Clean Tech and Natural Resources. That said, many types of businesses can fall within these sectors if they meet some specific criteria. Here are some businesses that could benefit from Career Launcher internship programs.
Technology Startups
Technology startups often face challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. Career Launcher can be a valuable asset by providing access to a pool of skilled graduates with fresh perspectives. By hiring interns through the program, startups can gain valuable assistance while cultivating potential long-term employees.
Small Retail Businesses
Small retail businesses can benefit from the extra hands and fresh ideas that interns can bring. Career Launcher can bring in new team members that can contribute to various activities within the business.
Manufacturing Companies
Manufacturing companies often require skilled labor. Career Launcher can help them identify and train future employees in areas like engineering. Interns can contribute to research and development projects, process improvement initiatives, or even develop new product ideas.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations often operate with limited resources and rely on volunteers. Career Launcher can help them fill critical roles with skilled interns who can contribute to program effectiveness.
Professional Services Firms
Professional services firms, such as consulting, accounting, or law firms, can benefit from the research and analytical skills of interns. They can assist with activities that align with the stipulations of the funding program. Additionally, interns can contribute to special projects or gain exposure to different areas of the business.
Many business types can benefit from a wage subsidy like the Career Launcher. A Canadian company or subsidiary that is a post-secondary education institution, Indigenous organization, an SME, large corporation, NGO, non-profit organization, or even a municipal or provincial government may be eligible for assistance through the program, should they meet a few other criteria.
How the Career Launcher Program Works
The Career Launcher program operates on a straightforward principle: employers receive financial support to hire and train recent graduates. The program typically covers a portion of the intern’s salary, as well as funds for training and development activities.
To participate, employers create a profile on the Career Launcher platform, outlining their internship opportunities. Recent graduates can then apply for positions that align with their interests and skills. Once matched, the employer and intern work together to develop a learning plan, outlining the goals and objectives of the internship.
The duration of internships varies depending on the program and the specific needs of the employer. However, most programs offer internships ranging from four to twelve months. Regular progress reviews are conducted to assess the intern’s performance and ensure the internship is meeting both the intern’s and employer’s expectations.
It’s also worth noting that the application cycle for the Clean Tech and Natural Resources programs vary and are not always open. We may be a little biased, but this is the perfect excuse for you to make an account on the Pocketed platform, so you can keep an eye out on programs like the Career Launcher that may be closed now but will open in the future. That way you are poised and ready to apply when the time comes.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Career Launcher program, both employers and interns must meet specific criteria.
Employer Eligibility
Typically, employers must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian business
- Operate in a designated sector (e.g., clean tech, digital tech, natural resources)
- Demonstrate a commitment to youth employment
- Meet specific size and revenue criteria
Intern Eligibility
Interns must generally:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident with work authorization
- Be enrolled in or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within the past two years
- Meet age requirements (usually between 15 and 30 years old)
Project Eligibility
The internship project must align with the program’s goals and contribute to the employer’s business objectives. It should provide the intern with opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
The Career Launcher Application Process
Ask any entrepreneur and they will tell you: the complexities of grant applications can be a daunting task. The Career Launcher program, while offering significant benefits, also comes with its own set of requirements and paperwork. While you’re preparing your application, be sure to always keep in mind the goal of the program itself so that you can align your application to what the program most wants to fund. If that’s something you’d rather take off your plate, our expert grant writers and intelligent matching platform can help you streamline the process and increase your chances of securing funding, too.
- Create an Employer Profile: The initial step involves setting up an employer profile on the Career Launcher platform. This profile requires detailed information about your business, including its size, industry, location, and a clear description of your organization’s goals and values. Equally important is outlining the specific internship opportunities you plan to offer. This includes defining the role, responsibilities, and the expected learning outcomes for the intern.
- Submit Internship Proposals: Once your employer profile is established, you can submit internship proposals. Remember, these proposals should clearly outline the proposed internship, including a detailed job description, the intern’s responsibilities, and the learning objectives. It’s crucial to demonstrate how the internship aligns with the program’s goals and your business’s needs. They want to give you funding – you just have to give them the compelling reason why!
- Application Review: Program administrators assess internship proposals to ensure they meet eligibility criteria and align with program goals. The evaluation process ensures that the proposed internships meet the eligibility criteria and align with the program’s objectives. Upon successful review and approval, your internship becomes available for eligible students to apply.
- Hiring and Onboarding: After your internship proposal is approved, you can begin the recruitment and hiring process (after celebrating, of course). This involves reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and selecting the most suitable candidate for the internship position. Once hired, the onboarding process begins!
- Reporting and Evaluation: A hired intern doesn’t mean your job is over (wouldn’t that be easy?!). Throughout the internship, employers are required to submit regular reports on the intern’s progress and the impact of the internship on the business. These reports help track the internship’s effectiveness and ensure compliance with program requirements.
By following these steps and adhering to the program’s guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to harnessing the potential of young talent and contributing to a stronger future for your business.
Tips for a Successful Career Launcher Application
Grants can have a major impact on your business – but they can also be stressful to secure! Especially if you don’t apply for grants often, submitting an application can be daunting. Over time, we’ve found that there are some key actions you can take to increase your chances of success. And we’re here to share those tips with you! You may even consider this list to be a handy checklist to refer back to when you’re crafting your winning application:
Understand the Program Thoroughly
- Know the eligibility criteria: Ensure your business meets all the requirements for the specific Career Launcher program you’re applying for.
- Familiarize yourself with the program’s goals: Align your internship proposal with the program’s objectives.
- Research the evaluation process: Understand the criteria used to assess applications.
Craft a Compelling Internship Proposal
- Clearly define the internship role: Outline the intern’s responsibilities and expectations.
- Highlight the intern’s learning objectives: Demonstrate how the internship will contribute to the intern’s professional development.
- Showcase your business’s commitment to the goals of the respective program: Emphasize your company’s initiatives and how the intern will contribute to these efforts.
- Quantify the impact: Clearly articulate the expected outcomes of the internship and how it will benefit your business.
Showcase Your Company’s Commitment to Youth Development
- Highlight your company’s relevant values: Demonstrate how your business supports young talent and career development.
- Provide evidence of previous internship programs: If applicable, highlight successful internship experiences.
Seek Expert Assistance
Navigating the grant application process can be complex and time-consuming. If you feel like taking a swing at it yourself, we hope that this blog has been a helpful reference point! However, if you are considering working with a grant writing expert to increase your chances of success, we’re always here to match you with the best grant writer for the job. Our writers possess a deep understanding of the program’s requirements and can help you craft a compelling application that stands out from the competition. Plus, Pocketed’s intelligent matching platform can connect you with experienced grant writers who specialize in Career Launcher grants.
Career Launcher: A Strategic Move for Your Business
The Career Launcher program offers a compelling opportunity for businesses to invest in young talent while reaping the rewards of a skilled and motivated workforce. By providing financial incentives and support, the program empowers employers to create meaningful internships that shape the careers of tomorrow’s leaders.
Yes, crafting a compelling application takes an investment of time and effort but, in doing so, businesses position themselves to tap into a pool of young talent and contribute to a sustainable future – both for Canada and the business – all without a 100% investment into the wages required for the roles! By participating in Career Launcher, businesses and young people can contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Canadian economy.
