Hiring young workers can increase payroll costs for Ontario employers. The Get Youth Working wage subsidy helps by offering financial support when you hire eligible youth aged 16–29. To access this subsidy, you must apply and be approved before the youth begins working.
This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, and how to apply while avoiding common mistakes.
The Get Youth Working Program is managed by Bowman Employment Services. It supports Ontario employers who create job opportunities for youth. The program provides a wage subsidy to help cover part of the youth’s wages. The amount is negotiated for each situation, depending on several factors.
Since funding varies, you can use GrantHub to compare this program with other wage subsidies in Ontario.
To qualify for the Get Youth Working wage subsidy, the job must:
Your business must meet all employer requirements to apply.
Employers are not eligible if the youth is hired before approval or if the job does not meet the minimum duration.
The youth you hire must:
Applying is straightforward, but timing is very important.
Before you recruit, make sure:
Hiring too soon is the most common reason applications are rejected.
Applications go through Get Youth Working / Bowman Employment Services. You’ll discuss:
Funding amounts are discussed at this stage, not after approval.
You must:
The youth can only start work after this agreement is signed.
Once the youth is hired, you must:
If you do not meet the agreement terms, the program may require you to pay back the subsidy.
Hiring before approval
If the youth starts work before the funding agreement is signed, your application will be denied.
Ignoring funding conditions
The wage subsidy can be taken back if you do not follow all agreement terms. Plan your budget carefully.
Offering short-term or seasonal jobs
Jobs under 3 months or seasonal positions are unlikely to be approved.
Incomplete job details
Vague job descriptions make it harder to negotiate funding and may delay approval.
For more tips, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.
Q: How much is the Get Youth Working wage subsidy?
There is no set amount. Funding is negotiated based on wages, hours, and job length.
Q: Can I apply if the youth is already working for me?
No. The youth must be hired after you sign the funding agreement.
Q: Are part-time jobs eligible?
Yes. Part-time jobs may qualify, but hours and job length affect the subsidy.
Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable income?
Wage subsidies are usually considered taxable business income. Check with your accountant to be sure.
Q: Can I combine this with other wage subsidies?
Sometimes, yes. Combining programs depends on the rules of each subsidy and must be shared during your application.
GrantHub lists hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. You can see which wage subsidies fit your business profile.
The Get Youth Working wage subsidy can help reduce hiring costs if you plan ahead and apply before making a job offer. If you want to compare this program with other hiring incentives in Ontario or across Canada, GrantHub can help you find options that match your location, industry, and workforce needs.
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