Graduate Employment Program

Fact Sheet (846 KB)

The Graduate Employment Program is designed to assist recent post-secondary graduates secure valuable work experience in their field of study. Eligible graduates can use this wage subsidy program to market themselves to employers.

Who does it serve?

The Graduate Employment Program serves students who:

Have successfully completed a post-secondary program (minimum duration of one academic year).
Are currently unemployed or under-employed (working less than 20 hours per week or working in an area not related to their field of study).
Graduated within the past two years.
Are not an immediate family member of the employer.

Description

The Graduate Employment Program provides 60% of the starting salary of the approved position, to a maximum program contribution of $12,500. In addition, the Employer may be eligible for a $500 Training Allowance based on the provision of a suitable training plan.

The subsidy covers a period of 52 weeks.

These positions will not result in the displacement of existing employees or employees who are on lay-off, recall or absent because of work stoppage or labour/management dispute.

The employer should develop and undertake activities that will provide work experience pertaining to the graduate’s field of study as well as pay the recognized starting salary for the funded position.

How to access?

Applications (175 KB) may be obtained from any office of the Department of Advanced Education and Skills. Applications must originate from employers; however, unemployed individuals may use the Graduate Employment Program application in their job search.

For information, contact the Advanced Education and Skills office in your area: