Hiring students can be expensive, especially for small and mid-sized production companies. The CMPA Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) helps reduce that cost by covering up to 50% of a student’s wages, with enhanced support for equity‑deserving groups. If you’re a Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) member, this program can offset thousands in payroll while building future industry talent.
The Student Work Placement Program by CMPA (SWPP) is a federal wage subsidy delivered by the Canadian Media Producers Association. It supports CMPA members in hiring post‑secondary students for paid, career‑related placements in the screen‑based production industry.
Key program facts:
The CMPA SWPP provides a wage subsidy, not a grant paid directly to students.
Underrepresented groups may include Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, newcomers, visible minorities, and women in underrepresented roles.
Your business must pay the student first and then receive reimbursement after meeting CMPA reporting requirements.
The application is employer‑led, but you must already have a student lined up.
Step‑by‑step process:
Confirm CMPA membership
Only CMPA members can apply.
Recruit an eligible student
The role must be new and related to their studies.
Complete the CMPA SWPP application
You and the student apply together through CMPA’s intake process.
Wait for approval before the placement starts
Retroactive funding is not guaranteed.
Hire and pay the student
Track hours, wages, and placement duration carefully.
Submit reports to receive reimbursement
CMPA reimburses the approved subsidy after required documentation is submitted.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your business and student meet SWPP criteria and identify similar wage subsidy programs by province and industry.
To apply for the CMPA Student Work Placement Program, you must:
You are not eligible if:
The student you hire must:
International students studying in Canada are not eligible under this program.
Starting the placement before approval
CMPA may refuse reimbursement if the student begins work too early.
Hiring a student to fill an existing role
The placement must be a net new position.
Assuming all students qualify
Only students enrolled in Canadian institutions are eligible.
Missing reporting deadlines
Late or incomplete reports can delay or cancel payment.
Q: How long can a CMPA SWPP placement last?
Placements can run for up to 12 weeks, with a maximum of 40 hours per week. Shorter placements are allowed if they meet program requirements.
Q: Can I hire a student part‑time under the CMPA SWPP?
Yes. Both full‑time and part‑time paid placements are eligible as long as they are career‑related.
Q: Are international students eligible for the CMPA SWPP?
No. Students must be enrolled in a Canadian post‑secondary institution and legally entitled to work in Canada.
Q: What does “net new hire” mean?
The student cannot replace an existing employee or contractor. The role must be newly created for the placement.
Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable income?
Wage subsidies are generally considered taxable income for employers. Confirm treatment with your accountant to be safe.
The CMPA Student Work Placement Program is one of several student wage subsidies available to Canadian employers. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada—including federal and provincial options—so you can see which ones match your business profile and hiring plans before you apply.
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