Graduate Mentorship Program — For Employers

Hiring a recent graduate can be a smart way to bring fresh skills into your organization, but the training time required can be a challenge for many employers. The Graduate Mentorship Program — For Employers helps Prince Edward Island businesses and organizations turn that opportunity into a long-term hire by offsetting a significant portion of early wage costs while the graduate gains hands-on experience. Designed for situations where a new graduate has the education but not yet the practical experience, the program supports structured mentorship that benefits both the employer and the employee.

Through this program, eligible employers in PEI can receive non-repayable wage support covering up to half of a graduate’s wages during the training period, with contributions capped at roughly $12.50 per hour. Funding can extend for as long as one year, giving businesses the time needed to properly onboard, train, and mentor a new employee until they are fully productive. The focus is on meaningful, full-time roles that align with the graduate’s field of study and contribute to the long-term success of the organization after the subsidy ends.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and the program is open to a wide range of employers, including private-sector businesses and nonprofits. For PEI employers looking to build talent from the ground up while managing hiring risk, this mentorship-based wage subsidy may be worth a closer look to see how it fits your workforce plans.