Graduate to Opportunity Program

Overview of the Graduate to Opportunity Program program:

The Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program is designed to support Nova Scotia employers by providing financial incentives to hire recent graduates for full-time positions. This initiative helps employers with the costs associated with hiring new graduates while simultaneously creating job opportunities for young professionals in the province. By participating in the program, employers can access salary contributions for the first two years of employment, making it easier to integrate new talent into their businesses.

Benefits of the Graduate to Opportunity Program program:

• Salary Support: Employers receive a 25% salary incentive in the first year and 12.5% in the second year. Additionally, if the graduate is a member of an underrepresented group, the first-year incentive increases to 35%.
• Talent Acquisition: Access to a pool of skilled recent graduates, helping companies to grow and innovate.
• Cost Savings: Financial support reduces the burden of onboarding new employees, making it easier to expand your workforce.
• Workforce Development: Contributing to the development of Nova Scotias economy by retaining young talent within the province.

Eligibility criteria of the Graduate to Opportunity Program program:

• Employer Eligibility: Nova Scotia-based small businesses, start-ups, social enterprises, non-profits, and registered private-sector organizations.
• Graduate Eligibility: Graduates must be within one year of their graduation date from a recognized post-secondary institution and must be employed in a new, permanent, full-time position.