Student internship programs can create a win-win scenario for businesses and employees. Employers can gain an energetic and motivated employee at little or no cost, while an intern gains real-world skills, an enhanced résumé, and a future job reference.
There are a number of advantages of hiring a student. You can fill positions depending on seasonal needs without a long-term contract. By taking on a student a business has an opportunity to train a potential future employee. A student can also help infuse a business with fresh ideas.
You can find assistance and incentives for hiring students and taking on interns. For instance, the government of Canada’s Small Business Internship Program (SBIP) will provide up to 75% of salary costs for the hiring of a student to help Canadian small and medium businesses improve their e-commerce capabilities.
To be eligible for this program, a business must:
• Have fewer than 500 employees
• Be incorporated or a sole proprietorship
• Have been in continuous operation for at least one year
• Have an existing web site and wish to enhance your e-business capability
• Contribute a minimum of 25% of the student wages and related expenses
The SBIP seeks to help small businesses improve their competitiveness by adopting e-business practices and technologies. Under the program, a business may receive financial support for employing post-secondary students to work on e-business projects. The government will reimburse up to 75 percent of wages and related expenses, such as statutory employee benefits, to a maximum of $10,000. Businesses are responsible for covering expenses such as benefits and overhead costs. Support will be available for 12 weeks.
There are other government resources available to help small businesses meet staffing needs. Service Canada offers assistance to businesses seeking to hire students. The agency will post job notices where students and youth will see it on the agency’s virtual job banks and at job centres.
Youth Canada provides job listing services and other forms of assistance. For instance, the agency can provide employers with information on wage rates and employment standards; potential employees for more permanent positions and information on other Government of Canada and provincial/territorial employment initiatives.
Businesses can also contact educational institutions in their areas. Most major campuses have on-site student employment centers and career counselors that can help match employers and students.