Improve Wage Subsidy Supports

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

The JobsNL Wage Subsidy Program provides funding to private-sector and non-profit employers to create long-term or seasonal employment opportunities, particularly for those who have recently graduated from a post-secondary program, who live with a disability, or who receive Income Support. In 2018-19, our government will announce improvements to the JobsNL Wage Subsidy to ensure that the program better meets the needs of new and small to medium-sized businesses and those seeking employment.

What We’ve Accomplished:

  • Budget 2018 allocates $196,000 for the Student Mentorship Program, which is supported by federal funding, and was developed in response to discussions with stakeholders at industry summits held throughout the province.
  • The employer-driven program will support summer career development opportunities in the agriculture, aquaculture, technology, and oil and gas sectors. The Provincial Government made these sectors a focus for development as part of The Way Forward, which included commitments to help residents explore careers in these fields.
  • The Student Mentorship program will be expanded to all seven priority sectors for 2019-20 with an increased budget of $240,000.
  • $500,000 was announced at the Forestry Summit on January 28, 2019, for a new pilot program, the Employment Enhancement Program. The new program is designed to increase employment opportunities for the forestry, aquaculture, agriculture and fishing sectors for employers engaged in value-added secondary processing. The program will provide a 60% wage subsidy up to $12/hr. for a duration of up to 28 weeks plus a $3,000 training allowance.
  • On March 11, 2019, the Provincial Government announced changes to the JobsNL Wage Subsidy program through which employers across the province will have the benefit of choosing between two subsidy options.
    • For the first time under the JobsNL Wage Subsidy program, a completion bonus will be available to both the employer and employee if the employee is still employed ten weeks after the subsidy period ends.
    • The enhancements to the JobsNL Wage Subsidy program are designed to encourage job creation and long-term attachment to the workforce for individuals hired through the program.
    • The program will be open to applications on April 1, 2019.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Now Accepting Applications for New Student Mentorship Program

Provincial Government Enhances JobsNL Wage Subsidy Program