The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) – Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital Subsidy (2022)

ByMaurice

Description:

ICTC’s WIL Digital is an innovative Work Integrated Learning program that helps employers grow their businesses by providing financial assistance for hiring post-secondary students.

ICTC’s WIL Digital supports Canadian businesses that offer student work placements within the Digital Economy

Comments on Funding:

Funding is a subsidy of 75% of the student’s salary, up to $7,500.
Payment of the subsidy funding is made 4 weeks after payroll information has been received and processed.

ICTC also offers an optional mid-point payment for 75% of paid wages. 8 weeks` worth of pay stubs (or half of the placement period) is required to be submitted.

Eligibility:

Employer eligibility criteria

  • registered business, not-for-profit organization or post-secondary institution in Canada. Post-Secondary Institutions will be eligible to apply to the WIL Digital program as employers as of June 1st, 2021 as a flexibility measure to help cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • hiring the student s an employee of the company and not as contractor or an independent contractor  
  • have the financial capacity to hire a student for the full work term, pay them consistently and provide a meaningful work experience.
  • The position is digital/technology immersive and uses technology either entirely or in some capacity.
  • The student is not replacing a displaced worker or filling a role left vacant due to a labor dispute.

Student (regardless of age) eligibility criteria: 

  • enrolled in a program at a Canadian accredited post-secondary institution, during work placement period.
  • a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
  • legally entitled to work in Canada.

Documentation Needed:

Applicants must submit

  1. the signed contract with ICTC on their application system;
  2. a Learning Plan to ICTC. The Learning Plan form is filled out by the employer (supervisor) together with the student in the employer`s profile.
  3. complete the final evaluations (separately) within the last two (2) weeks of the work placement;
  4. at the end of the placement the below payroll records (First and Last Statement of Earnings for contract period):
  • This document may include the following information:
  • Accounting software name (if applicable)
  • Company name
  • Pay period
  • Name of participant
  • Gross income
  • Statutory deductions withheld, and
  • Year-to-date amount
  • Direct deposit transaction or Cheque No. (if applicable)
  •  If employer paid wages by cheque, they must provide copies of cleared checks.
  • If employer paid wages via direct deposit/EFT (electronic fund transfer), they must provide the bank remittance advice, payment register/report or copy of a bank statement showing that the payment went through.

Other Things to Note:

Effective immediately, until March 31st, 2022, ICTC’s COVID-19 flexibility measures are:

  1. Increased wage subsidy of 75% of the student’s salary up to $7,500;
  2. “Net new” requirement has been removed;
  3. Post-secondary institutions may apply as employers;
  4. Flexible start and end dates;
  5. Remote placements are now eligible;
  6. Mid-point payment available during placement.

Testimonials:

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Ontario to identify and maximize government grants to grow their business. Click here to learn more about Moe’s background and how he can help your business.

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