Co-op Graduates Hiring Incentive

Hiring and retaining new talent can be a challenge for Manitoba employers, especially when transitioning recent graduates into long-term, full-time roles. The Co-op Graduates Hiring Incentive is designed to make that transition more affordable by helping employers offset a portion of wage costs when they bring on graduates from registered co-operative education programs. Offered by the Government of Manitoba, this incentive supports businesses that want to turn co-op experience into permanent employment tied to a graduate’s field of study.

Through this program, employers can recover a percentage of wages paid to eligible co-op graduates during their first two years of full-time employment. The support is delivered as a fully refundable tax credit, meaning businesses may benefit even if they do not owe corporate income tax in a given year. Funding can add up to roughly $5,000 per graduate over the two-year period, helping reduce the financial risk of hiring and onboarding early-career professionals. Both incorporated businesses and certain other employer types may qualify, as long as they meet the program’s requirements.

For Manitoba employers looking to build a skilled workforce while managing payroll costs, the Co-op Graduates Hiring Incentive can be a practical complement to existing hiring plans. Reviewing the details can help determine how this credit fits into your overall talent and growth strategy.