Wage Subsidy Program Supports Devastated Tourism-and-Hospitality Industry

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The Propel Student Work Placement Program offers tourism-and-hospitality employers access to up to $7,500 in wage subsidies when they hire a post-secondary student for work-integrated learning: an internship, a co-op placement, a work experience placement, and more.

The many benefits? Students gain paid hands-on learning and mentoring in their field of study. Employers acquire much-needed early talent to help with the recovery of the industry, as well as assistance with wages. Post-secondary institutions complement their programming by connecting students and the workplace.

Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by Tourism HR Canada, Propel offers registered Canadian businesses, start-ups, and not-for-profits related to the tourism-and-hospitality sector a wage subsidy of up to 75 percent of a qualifying student’s wages, to a maximum of $7,500.

Propel can be accessed by businesses that cover all facets of the visitor economy: accommodations, food-and-beverage services, culinary, recreation, entertainment, culture, events, transportation, travel services, and more.

Employers register on the Propel online portal, post the position(s) they wish to fill, and then apply for a wage subsidy. Students enrolled at a recognized post-secondary institution apply for these positions to fulfill the co-op or internship component of their program. The position must be a work-integrated learning opportunity.

Propel will help progressive employers looking to nurture talent and develop skills a chance to re-build their workforce lost during the pandemic.

“Propel is integral to the recovery and resiliency of Canada’s tourism sector,” explains Philip Mondor, president and CEO of Tourism HR Canada. “Our industry has been left reeling from the measures needed to ensure the health and safety of Canadians. Despite their best efforts, many employers were not able to retain their staff and are facing difficulty re-building as restrictions shift. Students have missed out on opportunities to get a foothold in the labour market, build essential social and employability skills, and make meaningful industry connections. Propel creates a direct link between students looking to enhance their workplace skills and employers who can provide that valuable experience while also showcasing the depth and breadth of career pathways in the industry.”

Canada’s tourism sector has lost 100,000s of jobs from its workforce since the pandemic began. Propel will play a key role in attracting and retaining students to the varied opportunities available as the economy re-opens, supporting a sustainable future for one of Canada’s key economic engines.

For more information on the program and a link to apply, please visit www.propelcareers.ca.

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