BioTalent Canada is offering up wage subsidies to encourage youth employment in the bioeconomy. The green jobs growth strategy will provide $1.1 million in salaries for 100 new graduates who secure employment.

“Companies are often reluctant to invest in training of a new graduate with no previous work experience,” said Rob Henderson, president and CEO at BioTalent Canada. “Wage-subsidy programs like the Career Focus Green Jobs initiative, not only help employers cover the cost of hiring, but also lead to full-time employment.”

According to BioTalent Canada’s labour market report, Opening the Door, over 90% of wage-subsidy participants retained employment after the program, making these initiatives attractive and profitable for both employer and new graduates.

Traditionally, BioTalent Canada’s wage subsidies have applied to the biotechnology industry only. The Career Focus Green Jobs program is its first wage-subsidy initiative to expand its reach beyond biotech to include the environmental and other sectors as well. With the Agri-biotech, Bio-industrial and Bio-energy sub-sectors all heavily entrenched in sustainable development activities, the bio-economy is also well-suited to take advantage of the initiative.

To qualify as a green job either the job needs to have a green mandate or the employer needs to have an environmental focus. Green jobs can also include positions in: non-profit environmental organizations, solar and wind technology companies, environmental science centers, watershed and water resource agencies, farms and farming co-ops, conservation organizations, museums and educational institutions, waste management companies, or information technology companies.

Companies interested in applying for wage subsidies are encouraged to visit biotalent.ca/wage-subsidies.