Clarington businesses hiring post-secondary students this summer may be eligible for a student wage subsidy worth up to $5,000 per placement through a program supported by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The Clarington Board of Trade has shared details about the funding opportunity for employers with post-secondary students in placement or co-op roles anytime between April 1 and Aug. 31, 2026. The program is designed to help businesses bring students into work placements connected to their field of study while reducing the cost of wages for participating employers.
Through the Talent Opportunities Program, eligible employers may qualify for Government of Canada funding that subsidizes student wages by up to $5,000 for each approved placement. The program is being delivered in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, with local support from the Clarington Board of Trade.
CBOT officials said the application process appears straightforward and encouraged local employers to review the opportunity if they are planning to hire students this summer. The organization is also asking businesses to notify Executive Director Bonnie Wrightman at bonnie@cbot.ca if they decide to apply.
That notice will help CBOT ensure the Ontario Chamber of Commerce can track the progress of local applications and provide better visibility into how many Clarington-area businesses are using the program.
The funding could be especially useful for small businesses, non-profits, professional offices, trades, service providers and growing companies that want to give students practical experience but need help managing summer wage costs. Eligible placements must be connected to the student’s post-secondary studies, which means employers should be prepared to describe the role, learning opportunity and connection to the student’s program.
For local employers, the program may also support recruitment during a busy summer season. A subsidized placement can help a business test new roles, add short-term capacity, complete projects, improve customer service or bring in fresh digital, administrative, marketing, technical or research support. For students, the placement can provide paid experience, local connections and practical skills before they return to school.
Businesses should review eligibility requirements carefully, including placement timing, student status and role details, before applying so they can avoid delays once the summer hiring period begins.
CBOT serves businesses across the Municipality of Clarington, including Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle, Orono and rural communities. The board said the opportunity may help local employers strengthen their teams while giving students valuable workplace experience during the spring and summer term.
Employers interested in the student wage subsidy can apply through the Talent Opportunities Program and review additional program information through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Businesses can also contact CBOT for local guidance before or after submitting an application.
For more information, employers can contact Bonnie Wrightman, Executive Director, at bonnie@cbot.ca; Rhonda Armour, Manager of Business and Member Care, at rhonda@cbot.ca; Alyssa Crittenden, Manager of Events and Projects, at alyssa@cbot.ca; or Erika Mask, Manager of Marketing and Communications, at erika@cbot.ca.
The Clarington Board of Trade can also be reached at 905-623-3106 or info@cbot.ca.
