Finding skilled talent in New Brunswick can be a challenge for employers. The Future Wabanaki Program helps by connecting employers with Indigenous and other students and offers a provincial wage subsidy to offset hiring costs. If you want to hire students, develop future talent, and support Indigenous workforce participation, this program may be a good fit for your organization.
The Future Wabanaki Program is a Government of New Brunswick initiative delivered through the Future Wabanaki platform. It supports paid work experiences by matching employers with Indigenous, public school, and post-secondary students across the province.
The program’s main goals are:
Unlike traditional business grants, Future Wabanaki works as a wage subsidy. It lowers the cost of hiring students and gives them valuable work experience.
There are eligibility requirements for both employers and students.
Your organization may be eligible if it:
Both private-sector employers and qualified public or non-profit organizations can take part, depending on the job.
While the program prioritizes Indigenous students, it is open to others as well. Eligible students include:
This approach lets employers access a wider pool of talent while supporting reconciliation and Indigenous workforce development.
The Future Wabanaki Program does not list a fixed funding amount.
Key things to know:
Because funding levels can change, employers should ask about subsidy details during the application process.
Jobs must give students real work experience, not just basic administrative tasks.
Examples of eligible roles include:
Short-term placements, internships, and project-based jobs are often supported, as long as they help students develop skills.
Applying involves posting a job and working with program administrators.
Create an employer profile
Sign up your organization on the Future Wabanaki platform.
Post a job opportunity
Make sure the role focuses on skill-building, innovation, or project-based work.
Find student candidates
You may be matched with eligible Indigenous or other students, or you can review applicants directly.
Confirm wage subsidy details
Program administrators will explain the wage support and terms.
Hire and onboard the student
Provide supervision, mentorship, and a safe work environment.
If you want to compare this program with other wage subsidies, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can show you available options by province and workforce focus.
Assuming funding is automatic
Wage subsidies can vary. Always confirm the approved amount before making job offers.
Posting low-skill or unsupported roles
Jobs must offer real experience, not just basic or unsupervised tasks.
Waiting too long to apply
Funding is limited. Posting jobs early can improve your chances of approval.
Double funding wages
Combining Future Wabanaki with other wage subsidies may not be allowed. Always share information about other funding sources.
Q: Is the Future Wabanaki Program only for Indigenous students?
No. Indigenous students are prioritized, but public school and post-secondary students may also qualify, depending on the job.
Q: Can small businesses apply for the program?
Yes. Small and medium-sized businesses in New Brunswick can take part if they meet the requirements and can provide proper supervision.
Q: Are wage subsidies taxable income?
Usually, wage subsidies are considered business income and must be reported. Ask your accountant for details about your situation.
Q: Can Future Wabanaki be combined with other grants?
Sometimes. Stacking may be limited to prevent double funding of the same wages. You need approval before combining programs.
Q: Is the program currently open?
Yes. The Future Wabanaki Program is open at the time of writing.
The Future Wabanaki Program is a practical way to lower hiring costs, support Indigenous students, and develop long-term talent for your business. If you are planning to grow your team, it makes sense to check what other wage subsidies and Indigenous-focused programs may fit your needs.
To make your search easier, GrantHub tracks active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada — including New Brunswick — so you can quickly see which ones match your hiring plans and business profile.
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