EHRC — Empowering Futures (Electricity Sector Student Work Placement)

Insider Tip

Apply as early as possible in each semester — SWPP funding is first-come, first-served and runs out. The $7,000 underrepresented-group subsidy is available for women in STEM, Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, and first-year students — proactively recruit from these groups to access the higher tier. Unlike most SWPP programs, EHRC serves the entire electricity value chain including EV infrastructure, smart grid, energy storage, and renewable energy manufacturers — not just utilities. The placement must align with the student's educational program as of April 2026, so confirm the learning plan before the placement starts.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

• Employer is not in the electricity sector or does not clearly demonstrate connection to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, or supporting services
• Position is not net-new — existing role, rehire, or position funded by another federal program
• Student does not meet enrollment or citizenship requirements

Success Profile

Canadian electricity utilities, renewable energy developers, electrical contractors, EV charging infrastructure companies, smart grid technology firms, and energy storage manufacturers who want to hire qualified co-op or internship students. Most valuable for SMEs in the electricity sector that cannot afford a full-time hire but need technical student talent for growing operations.

Evaluation Criteria

EHRC evaluates applications primarily on (1) employer eligibility — clear connection to Canada's electricity sector value chain; (2) placement quality — is it a genuine WIL opportunity aligned with the student's field of study?; (3) net-new requirement — is this a position that would not exist without the subsidy?; and (4) student eligibility — enrollment, citizenship, and legal work authorization. Applications are processed in order received.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 2

• Student gross wages (salary) for the placement period — up to 50% or 70% reimbursed depending on student profile
• Mandatory employer-side payroll costs (CPP contributions, EI premiums) on student wages may be included — confirm with EHRC

Ineligible Expenses 4

• Non-salary costs (equipment, training courses, travel, materials)
• Positions already being funded through another federal or provincial wage subsidy program
• Administrative overhead or supervisory time
• Bonuses, benefits, or non-wage compensation

Intake Periods

Rolling intake throughout the program year (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027). EHRC processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply at the start of each semester (September, January, May) for best results.

Deadline Notes

Applications accepted on a rolling basis for net-new positions beginning on or after April 1, 2026. Program end date March 31, 2027. Contact EHRC for Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 intake windows. Funding is subject to availability — apply early in each semester.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal governments
• Crown corporations, hospitals, and public long-term care facilities
• Post-secondary institutions (as employers — students are eligible as participants)
• Private or public schools
• Businesses with no connection to the electricity sector value chain

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

If the placement ends prematurely or the employer claimed ineligible costs, EHRC may claw back overpaid subsidies. Risk is low for placements that complete as planned. Maintain accurate payroll records and timesheets throughout.