Wage Subsidy Program

Overview of the Wage Subsidy Program program:

The benefit of the program is two-fold: For employers, the program reduces the cost of hiring a new employee and can help create new or additional jobs For an individual who is having difficulty finding employment, valuable work experience is obtained, skills are enhanced and overall employability is improved The length of time wage subsidy is provided is dependent on the needs of the individual and the employer. The length of time will be negotiated and will be based on the amount of time an individual will need to be trained for the job. The percentage of wages covered under this program will be negotiated and will be based on need and ability to pay. Funds may be provided for skills training in partnership with the employer The position will provide full-time employment of 30 to 40 hours per week Applications proposing part-time employment for the disabled are also eligible

Benefits of the Wage Subsidy Program program:

• The benefit of the program is two-fold:
• For employers, the program reduces the cost of hiring a new employee and can help create new or additional jobs
• For an individual who is having difficulty finding employment, valuable work experience is obtained, skills are enhanced and overall employability is improved

Eligibility criteria of the Wage Subsidy Program program:

• Applicant Eligibility
• Individuals must be a First Nation (Treaty Status) member
• Individuals must reside in an urban Calgary area
• Must possess marketable employment skills but are having difficulty obtaining employment due to lack of actual work experience. (Typically, job seekers who apply for this program have completed some form of accredited skills training and have not had a work history in that area.)
• Must be unemployed
• Active Employment Insurance and Employment Insurance Reachback clients
• Must have completed a career development practitioner assessment at Aboriginal Futures as part of the recruitment process
• Employer Eligibility
• Employers who agree to provide work experience to eligible individuals
• Employers who provide work experience with the intent to hire the individual on a full-time bases upon completion of the subsidy