Hire an Intern

Overview of the Hire an Intern program:

Since its launch in 2018, the VFC Internship Program has focused on empowering students and supporting businesses across Canada. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, this initiative connects Canadian startups and SMEs with motivated post-secondary students to tackle real-world challenges. Interns participate in meaningful projects that build critical workplace and entrepreneurial skills while receiving customized training through VFC’s micro-courses, live sessions, and practical challenges. The program is designed to be flexible, offering full-time and part-time internships lasting up to 20 weeks. Internships are available in various fields, including business, marketing, computer science, engineering, and accounting. To make these opportunities accessible, the program provides wage subsidies of up to $7,000 to eligible employers, easing financial barriers and promoting equitable hiring practices. Interns are also introduced to exclusive opportunities for professional growth, including participation in VFC’s Fellowship Program and invitations to events like the Intern Summit. Employers benefit from accessing a diverse talent pool and fostering innovation through fresh perspectives.

Benefits of the Hire an Intern program:

• For Students:
• Hands-on work experience in dynamic, innovative environments.
• Access to entrepreneurial training, including micro-courses, live sessions, and challenges.
• Networking opportunities with peers, industry leaders, and mentors.
• Potential for fast-tracked admission to VFCs Fellowship Program or exclusive events like the Intern Summit.
• For Employers:
• Access to a diverse pool of skilled and motivated students.
• Financial support through wage subsidies, reducing the cost of hiring interns.
• Support for hiring processes, including help with job postings and candidate matching.
• Opportunities to engage with future leaders and innovators.For Students:
• Hands-on work experience in dynamic, innovative environments.
• Access to entrepreneurial training, including micro-courses, live sessions, and challenges.
• Networking opportunities with peers, industry leaders, and mentors.
• Potential for fast-tracked admission to VFCs Fellowship Program or exclusive events like the Intern Summit.
• For Employers:
• Access to a diverse pool of skilled and motivated students.
• Financial support through wage subsidies, reducing the cost of hiring interns.
• Support for hiring processes, including help with job postings and candidate matching.
• Opportunities to engage with future leaders and innovators.

Eligibility criteria of the Hire an Intern program:

• For Students:
• Must be a full-time or part-time post-secondary student at a Canadian institution.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• For Employers:
• To meet the conditions of our funding, businesses and internships must meet the following criteria:
• Be a small or medium-sized business, start-up, social enterprise, nonprofit, or charity
• Registered in one of the following Canadian provinces or territories: BC, AB, SK, MB, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL, YT, NT, or NU
• Employ fewer than 500 people
• Provide a safe and supportive internship that develops innovation or entrepreneurial skill-building opportunities