Canada’s STEP Program 2026 | Paid Green Jobs & Wage Subsidies for Youth

Applications are now open for Canada’s STEP Program 2026, a major employment initiative designed to create paid green jobs and workforce opportunities for young people across Canada’s natural resources sector.

Previously known as the Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP), the program has officially rebranded to the Science and Technology Employment Programme (STEP) for 2026 while continuing its mission of supporting sustainability-focused careers and environmental workforce development.

Supported by Natural Resources Canada and delivered through Canada Green Corps (CGC), the STEP Program connects youth aged 15–30 with paid hands-on employment opportunities in industries shaping Canada’s sustainable future. Employers can also benefit from significant wage subsidies to recruit and train emerging talent.

The program is designed to help both job seekers and employers by creating practical work experiences, building industry skills, and supporting environmental and economic development across Canada.

Canada STEP Program 2026 Overview

What is the STEP Program?

The Science and Technology Employment Programme (STEP) is a Canadian initiative focused on helping youth gain practical work experience in natural resource and sustainability sectors while helping employers reduce hiring costs through wage subsidies.

The initiative supports opportunities connected to:

• Clean energy
• Forestry and conservation
• Mining and minerals
• Environmental sciences
• Climate change adaptation
• Sustainable resource development
• Geomatics and earth observation
• Environmental protection

The program aims to prepare the next generation of professionals for Canada’s growing green economy.

Opportunities for Job Seekers

Young Canadians interested in sustainability, environmental innovation, science, engineering, and natural resources can benefit significantly from STEP.

Participants receive:

• Paid full-time work experience
• Industry-relevant training
• Career mentorship
• Professional networking opportunities
• Exposure to Canada’s green economy
• Long-term employment prospects
• Practical field and office experience

The placements are designed to help participants become job-ready while contributing to environmentally responsible projects and initiatives.

Employment Sectors Covered

Energy Sector

• Clean energy technologies
• Smart grids and energy storage
• Energy efficiency projects
• Sustainable energy development

Forestry Sector

• Forestry management
• Conservation and ecology
• Bioeconomy manufacturing
• Wood and pulp production

Mining, Minerals & Metals

• Exploration and prospecting
• Extraction and processing
• Mining support services
• Critical minerals development
• Mine reclamation

Earth Sciences & Environmental Support

• Environmental assessments
• Climate change adaptation
• Geomatics and mapping
• Hazard prevention
• Sustainable development projects

These opportunities help young professionals gain practical experience in industries critical to Canada’s environmental and economic future.

Wage Subsidies for Employers

Employers across Canada can benefit from STEP through substantial wage subsidies that reduce hiring costs.

Funding Available

Eligible organizations may receive:

• Up to 75% wage subsidies
• Up to $20,000 for job-ready youth hires
• Up to $24,000 for youth from employment equity groups
• Up to $27,000 for youth facing employment barriers

Priority is given to employers hiring youth from underrepresented and equity-deserving communities.

Eligible Employers

The following organizations may apply:

• Private companies
• Non-profit organizations
• Indigenous organizations
• Environmental organizations
• Mining and energy companies
• Forestry enterprises
• Sustainability-focused businesses
• Municipal and provincial entities

The program helps employers:

• Reduce hiring costs
• Build future talent pipelines
• Support sustainability initiatives
• Increase workforce diversity
• Access motivated young professionals

Eligibility Criteria for Job Seekers

To qualify for STEP, applicants must:

• Be between 15 and 30 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Be legally authorized to work in Canada
• Work full-time (minimum 30 hours weekly)
• Be newly hired after April 1, 2026

The program does not support temporary summer jobs or short-term placements.

Focus on Diversity & Inclusion

The STEP Program strongly supports equitable employment opportunities and prioritizes youth facing barriers to employment, including:

• Indigenous youth
• Women in STEM and natural resources
• Racialized youth
• Youth with disabilities
• Youth in remote communities
• Youth in northern territories

This approach helps create a more inclusive workforce within Canada’s green economy.

Why This Program Matters

Canada’s natural resources sector is rapidly evolving through climate innovation, sustainability initiatives, and green technology development.

The STEP Program helps bridge the gap between education and employment by giving youth direct industry experience while helping employers strengthen their workforce with skilled young professionals.

The initiative contributes to:

• Environmental sustainability
• Climate action
• Economic growth
• Workforce modernization
• Green innovation
• Youth employment

For many participants, STEP can become the starting point for long-term careers in environmental science, engineering, conservation, mining, energy, and sustainability industries.

How to Apply?

Interested applicants can apply online through the official Canada Green Corps STEP portals.

Job Seekers

Youth applicants can apply for available opportunities through the STEP Job Seekers Portal.

Employers

Organizations can apply for wage subsidies through the STEP Employers Portal.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as funding availability may be limited.

Important Links 

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Canada STEP Program 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for young Canadians to gain practical experience in the country’s growing green economy while helping employers build future-ready sustainable workforces.

With paid employment opportunities, wage subsidies, industry mentorship, and exposure to sustainability-focused industries, the program plays an important role in supporting environmental innovation and workforce development across Canada.

Young professionals interested in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, clean energy, mining, forestry, and climate innovation are highly encouraged to apply.