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Apply for the Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) Wage Subsidy!
Are you an employer hiring post-secondary students for work-integrated learning (WIL) placements, such as co-ops or internships? You may qualify for a wage subsidy of up to $7,000 per student!
What is the Talent Opportunities Program (TOP)? 
TOP is an initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce that helps Canadian employers hire students from colleges and universities for WIL placements. Employers can receive:
- Up to 50% of wages (to a maximum of $5,000) per student.
- Up to 70% of wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each ‘net new’ placement from under-represented groups, including Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, first-year students, visible minorities, and women in STEM.
How to Qualify for Funding
To be eligible for TOP funding, employers must hire ‘net new’ students. This means the number of students hired in the current fiscal year must exceed the number of students hired in the previous year.
The baseline year is determined as follows:
- First received SWPP funding in 2017-2019: Use the original baseline year before funding.
- First received SWPP funding in 2020: Use 2019 as the baseline year.
- First received SWPP funding in 2021: Use the lesser of 2019 or 2020.
Eligibility Requirements for Employers
Must be a registered Canadian business or non-profit.
Can operate in any industry and hire remotely.
Government bodies
Crown corporations
Hospitals
Public long-term care facilities
Post-secondary institutions
and more (refer to FAQs).
Student Eligibility
- Must be enrolled at a recognized Canadian college or university.
- Work placement must be part of their study plan.
- Must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons under Canadian law.
Get Started with TOP
For detailed guidelines and FAQs, visit the TOP Program page. If you’re ready to apply, click the link below!
Click here to apply for the Talent Opportunities Program.
