Hiring young talent for clean energy and natural resource roles is expensive, especially for small and mid-sized employers. The Clean Foundation Green Jobs program helps Nova Scotia employers cover a large share of wage costs when they hire eligible youth into green and natural resource jobs. The program is currently open and offers up to $30,000 per intern as a non-repayable wage subsidy.
Clean Foundation — Green Jobs is a wage subsidy program that helps employers in Nova Scotia hire youth for work in natural resource and green economy sectors. The funding reduces payroll costs while giving young people paid, career-building experience.
Key program details:
Funding amount:
Cost coverage: Up to 75% of total eligible wage or project costs
Type of funding: Non-repayable wage subsidy (not a loan)
Location: Nova Scotia only
This makes Clean Foundation Green Jobs one of the more generous youth wage subsidies available in the province.
To apply, your business or organization must:
Both private-sector employers and eligible non-profits may qualify, as long as the role aligns with the program’s sector focus.
The intern you hire must:
The youth’s self-identification category affects the maximum funding amount, so this should be confirmed early in your planning.
The application process is employer-led. You apply for funding first, then hire once approved.
Confirm role eligibility
Make sure the position is clearly tied to natural resources or the green economy and offers real skills development.
Identify an eligible youth candidate
You can apply with a candidate in mind or recruit after conditional approval, depending on Clean Foundation’s intake rules.
Prepare your budget
Calculate:
Submit your application to Clean Foundation
Applications are submitted through Clean Foundation’s program portal:
https://cleanfoundation.ca/green-jobs/
Wait for approval before starting work
Do not start the internship before receiving written approval, or costs may be ineligible.
If you need help comparing wage subsidy programs, GrantHub’s platform can show you which options fit your business and sector.
Eligible costs typically include:
The internship must:
Stacking with other wage subsidies may be allowed, but total government funding cannot exceed your actual eligible wage costs.
Starting the internship before approval
Any wages paid before approval are usually not eligible for reimbursement.
Choosing a role that is too general
Administrative or generic roles with weak links to natural resources often get rejected.
Assuming 100% wage coverage
The program covers up to 75%, so you must budget for your share.
Not documenting youth eligibility correctly
Higher funding tiers depend on accurate self-identification.
Q: How much funding can I get per intern through Clean Foundation Green Jobs?
You can receive up to $24,000 per intern for women or racialized youth, or up to $30,000 for Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities, or youth from northern or remote communities.
Q: Is Clean Foundation Green Jobs a grant or a loan?
It is a non-repayable wage subsidy. You do not have to pay the funding back if you meet program requirements.
Q: What percentage of wages does the program cover?
The program covers up to 75% of eligible wage or project costs.
Q: Can I combine this with other wage subsidies?
Stacking may be allowed, but total funding cannot exceed your actual eligible wage costs.
Q: Is this program only for Nova Scotia employers?
Yes. Clean Foundation Green Jobs is focused exclusively on employers operating in Nova Scotia.
Clean Foundation Green Jobs can significantly reduce the cost of hiring young talent for green and natural resource roles in Nova Scotia. If you are planning to grow your team, this program is worth reviewing early in your hiring timeline.
GrantHub tracks active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada — including youth, clean economy, and workforce funding — so you can quickly see which options match your business profile. You can also use GrantHub to compare eligibility for other provincial wage subsidies if your operations extend outside Nova Scotia.
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