NRC IRAP Youth Employment Program
Wage subsidy program that helps innovative SMEs hire post-secondary graduates for technical positions. Covers 50% of eligible wages for up to 12 months. Works alongside (and often stacks with) the main IRAP program. Strong fit for tech companies hiring their first developers or data scientists.
Deadlines
- Intake type: Rolling — apply any time
- Typical processing time: 4–6 weeks
What you'll need
IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor
Contact your local NRC IRAP ITA — they administer the Youth program
Post-Secondary Graduate Candidate
Identify a recent post-secondary graduate (within 24 months of graduation) for the role
Technical Job Description
Position must involve technical or S&T activities directly related to your innovation project
Apply via NRC IRAP
Submit through your assigned ITA before the hire starts
Official program page · Details verified Aug 15, 2026
Related funding
- Youth Employment and Skills Strategy — Federal, up to $7,500 per youth hire
- Student Work Placement Program — Federal, up to $7,000 per student (70% for underrepresented)
- BDC Tech Startup Loan — Federal, up to $150,000
- CanExport Innovation — Federal, up to $100,000
- ElevateIP Intellectual Property Program — Federal, up to $100,000
- Futurpreneur Canada Startup Program — Federal, up to $60,000 (loan + BDC co-loan)