Science and Technology Employment Programme (STEP) & Canada Green Corps (CGC)
THE STIP PROGRAMME HAS CHANGED TO STEP!
As of April 01, 2026, the programme formally known as the Science Technology Internship Programme (STIP) has been rebranded to Science Technology Employment Programme (STEP)! Same quality programme, just different name.
If you have any questions about our rebrand, and how this might effect you, please email cgc-stip@unac.org
Green Jobs for Youth in Canada's Natural Resource Sectors
In partnership with Natural Resources Canada, CGC-STEP is dedicated to creating and providing quality green employment opportunities for youth in the natural resource sector by offering up to 75% wage subsidies to employers across Canada.
These green jobs should create positive environmental outcomes and have a strong tie to one of the natural resources sectors: energy, forestry, mining and earth sciences.
Supported by
Breaking Barriers
In order to reflect Canada’s rich diversity, CGC-STEP prioritizes partnerships with employers who are interested in hiring youth who identify as:
Youth Experiencing Barriers (YEB):
- Indigenous
- Living in Northern Territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut
- Living in Remote Communities: Permanent or long-term settlement with at least 10 dwellings that does not have year-round road access
- Living with Disabilities
Youth from Employment Equity Groups (YEE) :
- Women
- Racialized Youth
There are no minimum educational requirements.
Eligible Natural Resources Sectors and Sub-Sectors
Energy Sector
- Clean Energy Technologies
- Transmission, Smart Grid & Energy Storage
- Energy Efficiency, Fuel Switching
- Sustainable Development of Non-Renewable Resources
Forest Sector
- Forestry & Support Activities
- Ecology & Management
- Non-Traditional Forest-Based Bioeconomy Products Manufacturing
- Solid Wood Product Manufacturing
- Pulp & Paper Product Manufacturing
Mining, Minerals, & Metals Sector
- Prospecting & Exploration
- Construction & Development
- Extraction & Milling
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Reclamation, Closure, Care & Maintenance
- Mining Supply & Services
- Critical Minerals
Earth Sciences & Support Sector
- Environmental Assessment
- Environmental Protection
- Geomatics & Earth Observation
- Natural Hazard Risk Analysis and Prevention
- Sustainable Development
- Climate Change Adaptation
Participant Eligibility
Participant Eligibility:
- Be 15-30 years of age (inclusive at the start of the placement)
Legal Status:
- Must be either a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or have Refugee Status
- Legally able to work in Canada and according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations
Employment Status:
- Full-time employment (30 hours/week minimum)
- New hires after April 1st, 2026
- Summer jobs, co-op placements and temporary contracts are not eligible
Student Status:
- Full-time employment (30 hours/week minimum)
- Must be intending to continue on with their full-time job after the placement has been completed
- Allowed to continue education courses as a part time role that does not interfere in their full-time job (must contribute 30+ hours/week to their position)
- Cannot be a full-time student intending on returning to school during or post placement
Programme Overview
As of April 01, 2026:
- Up to 75% wage subsidies for all types of positions in Natural Resources
- Up to $20,000 for Job Ready Youth
- Up to $24,000 for Youth from Employment Equity Groups (YEE)
- Up to $27,000 for Youth Experiencing Barriers (YEB)
- Last day of placement funding is January 31st, 2027
- Exceptions may apply
- Funding is available on an extremely limited basis
- Priority will be given to employers interested in hiring YEBs or YEEs
- No deadline to apply. However, placement funding is subject to availability.
Opportunities
Apply Now: Sustainable Careers in Canada's Natural Resources
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the environment while advancing your career? Join our green employment initiative! We offer substantial wage subsidies to employers across Canada, creating enriching job opportunities for youth in the energy, forestry, mining, and earth sciences sectors. Apply now and contribute to sustainable development in your community!
Programme Testimonials
This new job has taught me tenfold what I knew about how electricity works, hardware basics as well as installation processes, and furthermore how to run a successful business from the ground up. [It] has certainly changed my career outlook and where I see myself in 5 years. [It] has provided me with a new found spark in a vastly growing industry and has lit a fire under me to learn everything I possibly can about solar.
The ability to work alongside some of the best restoration technicians in the area has been eye opening. I have learned many different techniques for restoring riparian zones, stopping erosion, and flood mitigation.
The mixture of field work and office time has given me a greater understanding of the importance of environmental work and has allowed me to gain connections within the environmental sector. As I continue my work, I become more confident in my environmental knowledge and grateful that I am able to spend time working outdoors and in conservation.
Notwithstanding my previous job experience, managing different files has given me many challenges. It is by completing these that I acquire and perfect several skills.
This internship allowed me to change my career perspectives and to consider persevering in this fulfilling field by eventually pursuing a master's degree.
This internship allowed me to change my career perspectives and to consider persevering in this fulfilling field by eventually pursuing a master's degree.
I began working at the office that assists in asserting our indigenous rights in my home territory. There are many different aspects to achieving our goals. Which include the development of resources, education, negotiation, studies, research, field work, etc. All through our indigenous perspective that must also include considerations and understandings of anishinaabe culture, responsibilities and ways of knowing.
I’ve met new people and learned new skills; I am trying to gain as much experience as possible while working because there are many areas to do that in. I really like that ICE Panels are a building product that is better for the environment, maybe someday when I have the money, I will build a house using the ICE Panels.
I have been really enjoying my position. It’s a great place to work that’s full of extremely knowledgeable individuals who are always willing to teach me new things and answer any questions I have. I gained knowledge in many areas in the time that I been there. Now that I have been working as a millwright for nearly a year, I can safely say that this is a job that I see myself doing for a very long time.
[At first], I was focusing on the research and development of the company’s water treatment media. [Then] I aided in finding and applying for grants suitable to the company's business model. Presently I am helping with manufacturing materials in the warehouse and researching supply chain and market analysis. All in all, it has been an incredible workplace to nurture and encourage my curiosity.
My position protecting traditional land values in the forestry sector is going well, I am learning more and more each day. It is a dynamic position so there are very few similar days. More and more training is always needed because the forestry landscape in BC is always changing and slowly evolving.
My role has many duties from administration to handling government movement documents for waste to facility inventory. I was attracted to this position for the challenge of trying something new. It allowed me to bring past skills and apply them to this new position. The environmental and waste management industry has many moving parts and understanding them from start to finish is quite complex and interesting.
My [internship] has been exceptional, I get to challenge myself everyday and be a part of a dynamic, motivated team of scientists and engineers. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work on a wind farm project in a remote northern community and another project exploring the grid impacts of electric vehicles which has been highly educational and rewarding!
2026-2027 Portals
Podcast
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Simplecast
