Science Horizons Youth Internship Program

Applications for the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program are no longer being accepted. Please visit biotalent.ca/programs for information about other open programs for which you may be eligible. And for any other inquiries please contact [email protected].

The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program is a wage subsidy that helps recent graduates acquire work experience in fields linked to the green economy.

The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program gives employers the freedom to:

  • Gain access to funds to hire scientific and technical staff with less financial risk
  • Grow their business
  • Hire talent eager to utilize their skills
  • Develop new talent within their company

Long success record

BioTalent Canada - wage subsidy image showing count of program participants

BioTalent Canada has a long track record of managing successful federal wage-subsidy programs, helping new talent gain employment in biotech and assisting companies in offsetting the costs of hiring.

For stories and more details on the success of BioTalent Canada wage subsidy programs please see our latest report Growing the bio-economy: youth in focus. Additional reports can be found here.


Photos featuring program participant Juno Garrah
Photos featuring program participant Juno Garrah. Read her story here.

“This was a great place to land right out of school Having a year-long contract gave me time to settle in and find my role so I could really contribute.” – Juno Garrah

Program Description

The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program covers the cost of a participant’s salary by 80% up to a maximum of $25,000. The program helps employers hire the talent they need and help graduates gain skills to secure full-time employment in environmental fields.

In addition to the wage subsidy contribution, employers may be eligible up to a maximum of $5,000 for training, skills development, and/or wrap-around services; please contact Jennifer Ash, Project Manager, for more details at [email protected].

Eligibility

Participants must :

  • be new (not yet employed) to the organization applying for funding;
  • be aged 30 or under at the beginning of the internship;
  • be a graduate from a post-secondary institution (does not have to be a STEM grad);
  • a Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada;
  • be legally entitled to work in Canada according to the relevant provincial and Canadian legislation and regulations; and
  • not be in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

Please also see the Participant information page for participant eligibility.

The placement must:

  • be in an environmental field linked to the green economy (does not have to be a STEM position);
  • be full-time with a required duration between 6-12 months;
  • establish and maintain a process for supervising and mentoring an intern;
  • provide a work environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive, free of harassment, abuse, and discrimination and is in compliance with all applicable laws;
  • not be funded by another federally-funded program like IRAP, Mitacs, etc.;
  • see the participant added to the employer’s payroll which includes Federal/Provincial tax deductions (CPP, EI, etc.); and
  • meet one of the following additional requirements:
    • The work experience offers skills development and training opportunities
    • The work experience is related to the interests and pursuits of youth
    • The work experience offers a salary that is above the minimum wage
    • The work experience offers opportunities for advancement

Eligible employers under the Science Horizons program include:

  • Individuals;
  • For-profit organizations (small- or medium-sized enterprises, corporations, or industry associations);
  • Provincial and territorial, municipal and local governments including institutions, agencies and Crown Corporations;
  • Post-secondary institutions; and,
  • Organization, including but not limited to non-government organizations, including non-profit organizations, Aboriginal organizations, including band councils/tribal councils and local organizations.

Participants must be approved for program participation prior to starting the placement. This process can take up to five (5) business days.

Uncertain if you qualify? Don’t count yourself out.

Contact Colleen at 1-866-243-2472, ext. 218 or [email protected].


This project was undertaken with the financial support of: Environment and Climate Change Canada