Starting and managing a business is an invigorating venture, but it also brings its unique set of challenges. One such challenge is finding and hiring the right workforce. For entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan, Canada, the provincial government offers a range of employment grants designed to aid businesses in hiring students. These grants not only give financial backing to both employers and students, but they also bolster the local economy’s growth and development. This article will delve into the various employment grants in Saskatchewan, how to access them, and how they can benefit your business.

Saskatchewan Government Apprenticeship Scholarship Program:

• Description: This program provides scholarships of $1,000 to $2,000 to eligible apprentices enrolled in a designated apprenticeship training program.
• Eligibility: Employers must hire an apprentice and enroll them in a designated program to receive this scholarship.
• Application Process: Applications can be submitted online through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission website, with deadlines typically in early fall.
• Benefits for employers: Employers can receive a scholarship as an incentive for supporting apprenticeship training.
• Benefits for students: Apprentices can receive financial support that helps mitigate the cost of their training.

Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Program:

• Description: The SYA program connects high school students with employers in skilled trades, allowing students to explore potential career paths and gain valuable work experience.
• Eligibility: Businesses that can offer apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades sector qualify for this program.
• Application Process: Employers can register for the program through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
• Benefits for employers: Employers can build a pipeline of skilled workers and receive financial incentives through wage subsidies for hiring eligible students.
• Benefits for students: Students can gain hands-on work experience and receive support from employers invested in their future careers.

Graduate Retention Program (GRP):

• Description: The GRP provides a tax credit to eligible post-secondary graduates who choose to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Eligibility: Businesses that hire recent post-secondary graduates who choose to live and work in Saskatchewan can apply.
• Application Process: Students can apply through their personal income tax return, while employers can apply through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance.
• Benefits for employers: Employers can attract and retain talented graduates, which helps in business growth.
• Benefits for students: Graduates can receive tax credits of up to $20,000 over a seven-year period.

4. IMPACT – Inclusion and Marketability of Persons Assessments, Coaching, and Training:

• Description: IMPACT assists employers with funding for on-the-job training to support persons with disabilities.
• Eligibility: Businesses willing to accommodate and train persons with disabilities can apply for this funding.
• Application Process: Applications can be made directly through the Saskatchewan Abilities Council.
• Benefits for employers: Employers can access financial support to promote diversity and inclusivity within their workforce.
• Benefits for students: Students with disabilities can gain valuable work experience, and enhance their future employability.

Saskatchewan Student Summer Job Incentive (SSSI) Program:

• Description: The SSSI program provides wage subsidies to employers who hire students during the summer months.
• Eligibility: Employers must offer a full-time summer position to a student currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution.
• Application Process: Applications are available online at the Saskatchewan government website, usually starting in spring.
• Benefits for employers: Employers can access wage subsidies, reducing labor costs and potentially expanding business capacity.
• Benefits for students: Students can gain valuable work experience and earn income during the summer months.

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Program:

• Description: The CSJ program is a federal initiative that provides wage subsidies to employers who hire students for summer jobs.
• Eligibility: Businesses offering part-time or full-time jobs to students aged 15 to 30 years can apply.
• Application Process: Applications can be made through the Government of Canada’s official website, typically in early spring.
• Benefits for employers: Employers can receive wage subsidies to create more job opportunities for students during busy seasons.
• Benefits for students: Students can gain valuable work experience and earn money to support their education.

After being awarded the grant, it’s essential to follow all compliance and reporting requirements, which vary from program to program. You can find this information on the respective program’s official website.

Real-world examples or testimonials from businesses that have benefited from these grants show how these programs can have tangible benefits for both businesses and the Saskatchewan economy. For instance, in the case of the Saskatchewan Government Apprenticeship Scholarship Program, several small and medium-sized businesses have reported a significant reduction in training costs, making it feasible for them to hire and train more apprentices.

As an entrepreneur in Saskatchewan, capitalizing on the various employment grants available for hiring students can significantly benefit your business. Whether you’re looking to fill skilled trade positions, provide opportunities for recent graduates, or promote diversity and inclusivity in your workforce, these grants can help you achieve your goals. Invest in the future of your business by accessing financial support through these employment grants, thereby contributing to Saskatchewan’s growth and development.