In today's dynamic job market, workforce development, and skills enhancement have become critical factors in maintaining a competitive edge. To address this challenge, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) offers a range of innovative programs to help Canadian employers hire and retain skilled workers. Among these programs, MiHR's wage subsidy initiatives stand out as powerful tools for facilitating job creation and promoting skill development in the mining sector.

In this blog post, we will delve into MiHR's three different wage subsidy programs, each designed to cater to specific needs within the industry. Let's explore how these programs contribute to the mining workforce's growth and sustainability.

Gearing Up drives systemic change by aligning post-secondary student skills training with mining industry requirements through employer delivery of work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities. The program is creating over 2,000 new WIL opportunities, with wage subsidies of up to $7,000 available to employers who offer work experience, co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects. WIL opportunities better position post-secondary students to secure employment in their field of study. While Gearing Up is open to all eligible students, the program also encourages participation by underrepresented groups such as women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, first-year students, and members of visible minority groups. 

Contact wagesubsidies@mihr.ca for more information.

2. Green Jobs 

MiHR’s Green Jobs Program helps job-ready youth gain relevant and meaningful work experience in mining through paid placements or training opportunities that focus on clean technology and innovation, and ultimately provide an environmental benefit to Canada. Meaningful placements of up to 12 months in duration are delivered through MiHR-approved hiring organizations whose work processes affect positive environmental outcomes.

The maximum wage subsidy for job-ready youth is $24,000, and up to $30,000 if the wage subsidy is for Indigenous Youth, Youth living with a disability, and Northern and Remote Youth.

Contact wagesubsidies@mihr.ca for more information.

The Canadian Mining Work Placement Program (CMWP) is a critical component of the Canadian Mining Skills Development Strategy (CMSDS). The program provides wage subsidies of up to 70% of a worker’s wage to a maximum of $10,000 (up to $15,000 for equity-deserving groups) to organizations that offer meaningful work experience to workers in operation and production-level positions.

Who is Eligible?

New Workers

The CMWP provides wage subsidies to hiring organizations that provide job opportunities to newly trained talent that practice newly acquired skills and competencies from recent and relevant occupational training. 

Existing Workers

The CMWP provides wage subsidies to hiring organizations that provide job opportunities for existing workers to upskill and explore advancement in new careers, and to practice newly acquired skills and competencies from recent and relevant occupational training.

Workers Employed by Contractors

Contractors who provide job opportunities to participants to practice newly acquired skills and competencies from recent and relevant occupational training. Contractors must provide proof that they are contracted to conduct work at a mine or work site.

Contact wagesubsidies@mihr.ca to learn more.

Conclusion

At TPD, we understand the vital role workforce planning plays in the mining industry. We believe that leveraging these subsidy programs can make a substantial impact on your workforce planning. 

If you’re planning on applying for these subsidies, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to discuss your specific workforce needs and provide tailored solutions to help you maximize the advantages of these subsidy programs.

Contact us today to learn more!