Program Information
Funded by the Government of Canada, our Career Focus program aims to connect educated youth aged 15 to 30 in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with private sector employers. The Career Focus program offers private sector wage subsidies to eligible employers to offset their training costs.
Participant Eligibility
To be eligible for wage subsidies through Career Focus, employers must fulfil the following criteria:
- Private sector employer/organization
- Have an existing vacant position
- Offer a placement that is approximately 6 months in duration.
Preference will be given to employers representing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Other eligibility requirements may apply.
Program Benefits
Some of the benefits to employers participating in the Career Focus program:
- Wage subsidies of up to 50% of participants’ wages;
- Subsidies to offset training costs when hiring participants with relevant education but limited experience;
- Job Retention / Employer Expectations training for participants;
- Ongoing support provided to placement participants by Career Focus staff.
Frequently Asked Questions by Employers
Q: Are there any costs involved in using the program?
A: No. There are no costs involved for employers using the services provided through the program. Our Career Focus program is funded by the Government of Canada. The Career Focus program aims to provide wage subsidies to private sector employers to reduce their training costs.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Staff aim to complete registration within 3-4 business days. However, this process may take longer depending on the circumstances.
Q: Is my organization limited to the number of placements for which it can receive private sector wage subsidies?
A: No. If your organization has multiple vacant positions, the subsidies could be used for hiring program participants.
Q: I hired an employee 2 days ago. Can my organization use the program to subsidize this employee’s wages?
A: No. All application and registration forms must be completed prior to a participant’s employment start date.
Q: How does the wage subsidy work?
A: Staff work with employers to determine the funding amount to be designated for each placement. Once the placement’s registration is complete, Career Focus staff will advise the organization about how to submit the participant(s)’ paystubs for reimbursement. The program can reimburse up to 50% of participants’ wages for approximately 6 months.
Q: Who decides the participant’s final wage?
A: The employer can determine the participant’s wages; however, employers must agree to pay prevailing provincial or territorial minimum wage rates applicable to the position.
How to Register
If you are a private sector employer with a vacant position, you may be eligible to participate in the Career Focus program. For further information, or for registration details, please contact us.
Career Focus program serving the GTHA:
Kerry Kettle, Program Coordinator
The Career Foundation
Telephone: 416-642-2406 Ext. 225
Email: CareerFocus@careerfoundation.org
Disclaimer: The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.