How to Apply for Work Experience PEI (For Organizations)

Hiring someone who needs hands-on experience can be a risk for non-profits with tight budgets. Work Experience PEI (For Organizations) helps reduce that risk by covering a portion of wages when you hire a new employee for a short-term project. The program is run by the Government of Prince Edward Island and is currently open to eligible organizations.

This guide explains how to apply, who qualifies, and what the province expects from participating employers.

What Is Work Experience PEI and Who Is It For?

Work Experience PEI — For Organizations is a provincial wage subsidy program designed to help non-profit organizations create meaningful work placements for individuals who lack job experience. The goal is simple: give job seekers real experience while helping organizations complete short-term projects.

Eligible organizations

To apply, your organization must meet all of the following conditions:

Be a non-profit organization operating in Prince Edward Island
Be hiring a new employee (not an existing staff member)
Offer a short-term project that provides practical, job-related experience
Ensure the role helps the employee build skills with potential for long-term employment, even if a permanent job is not guaranteed

Private businesses and for-profit employers are not eligible under this specific stream.

Eligible employees

The employee you hire must:

Be a new hire
Lack the necessary work experience for the position
Be hired specifically for a defined project rather than ongoing core operations

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

Work Experience PEI provides a wage subsidy that covers a portion of the employee’s wages. The exact percentage and dollar amount are not fixed and are determined during the application review process.

Key funding rules include:

Subsidy covers part of the wages, not 100%
Maximum placement length is up to 52 weeks
Funding is paid to the organization, not the employee
Wage subsidies are generally considered taxable income for the organization

Because amounts vary, it helps to plan your project budget before applying. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you compare this program with other PEI wage subsidies in seconds.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Work Experience PEI

Applying is straightforward, but missing details can delay approval.

Step 1: Define your project role

Before applying, clearly outline:

The project’s goals and timeline
Tasks the employee will perform
Skills and experience the employee will gain
How long the placement will last (up to 52 weeks)

Projects must focus on skill development, not just filling staffing gaps.

Step 2: Prepare employee details

You will need information about the candidate, including:

Confirmation they are a new hire
Explanation of how they lack required work experience
Start date and expected hours of work

Step 3: Submit the application to the Province

Applications are submitted through the Government of PEI. You may be asked to provide:

Organizational information
Project description
Proposed wage and hours
Expected outcomes for the employee

Approval is required before the employee starts work.

Step 4: Hire and manage the placement

Once approved:

Hire the employee according to the approved terms
Track wages and project progress
Submit any required reports or claims on time

Failure to follow approved terms can put funding at risk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hiring before approval
If the employee starts work before funding is approved, the placement may be ineligible.
Using the role as regular staffing
The program is for short-term projects with learning outcomes, not permanent core roles.
Unclear skill development
Applications that do not clearly show how the employee gains experience are often delayed or rejected.
Assuming wage stacking is allowed
Combining Work Experience PEI with other wage subsidies usually requires approval and may be limited.

For more details on pitfalls, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long can a Work Experience PEI placement last?
Placements can last for a maximum of 52 weeks. Shorter placements are allowed if they fit the project scope.

Q: Can this program lead to permanent employment?
Yes, it can. While permanent jobs are not required, projects should offer meaningful experience with potential for long-term employment.

Q: Does Work Experience PEI cover 100% of wages?
No. The program covers a portion of wages, with the exact amount set during application approval.

Q: Can we combine this with another wage subsidy?
Sometimes. Stacking is usually limited and must be approved by program administrators.

Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable?
In most cases, wage subsidies are considered taxable income for the organization.

PEI Labour Rebate: Employer Eligibility Guide
How to Use Wage Subsidy and Student Hiring Programs to Reduce Staffing Costs
Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences

Next Steps

Work Experience PEI can make it easier to hire someone who needs experience. It also helps move your project forward. The key is matching the right role, candidate, and timeline before you apply.

GrantHub tracks active wage subsidy and hiring grants across Canada, including PEI-specific programs. Check which ones match your organization’s profile and hiring plans so you don’t miss better-fit options.

How to Apply for Work Experience PEI (For Organizations)