COVID 19 Update – SWPP

COVID-19 Update

Changes to the Student Work Placement Program:

The following changes have been announced to increase flexibility for employers to hire students. These program changes are temporary measures that are effective until March 31, 2021.

• “Net New” hiring restrictions have been removed. All new co-op students can now be considered for funding.
• Employers are now eligible for up to 75% in wage subsidies (to a maximum of $7500) per co-op student hired.
• Small and medium sized employers (500 or less employees, including non-profit organizations) are eligible to receive 75% of a student’s subsidy up-front.
• Post-secondary institutions are now eligible to apply as employers provided the experience is a quality work-integrated learning opportunity that is relevant to the student’s program. This also applies to research positions.
• Employers (including educators) can now apply to be pre-approved for funding before finalizing the hiring process.
• Students must be paid at least the provincial minimum wage, inclusive of the funding.
• Shortened work terms may now be eligible for SWPP funding (i.e. a later start date for the term).

Note: Any employer experiencing changes to a work term that has already been approved for SWPP funding should contact their funding partner immediately to communicate these changes.