Applications open for employer wage subsidies to hire summer students

CANADA, March 5 - Local businesses hiring summer students can apply for provincial government wage subsidies through SkillsPEI and the Employment Development Agency.   

The Jobs for Youth Program offers wage subsidies to employers hiring students aged 15-29 for eight to twelve weeks during the summer and plan to return to school in the fall. The Post-Secondary Student Program provides wage subsidies to employers hiring full-time post-secondary students for twelve to eighteen weeks over the summer. 

“The Post-Secondary Student Program provided valuable support that enabled us to hire a welding apprentice. This opportunity not only helped us to expand capacity in our shop, but also created a memorable experience for our staff, who were able to share their expertise and mentor the apprentice in an environment where their own skills and knowledge were fully engaged.”

— David McLellan, CFO of Complete Fusion Welding Ltd.

Applications can be submitted online until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2026.

“Each year, the Student Summer Employment Programs provide meaningful support to local businesses across Prince Edward Island. By providing these supports, students also gain valuable work experience that helps shape their career paths.”

— Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Zack Bell

In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, these programs supported valuable summer work experiences for over 850 students and youth with more than 530 employers across the Island. 

Media contact:
Brooke Miller
Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning 
[email protected]