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NCEWIL Program Wage Subsidy

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NCEWIL logo
Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence in Work-Integrated Learning

Oki!

The NCEWIL program aims to enhance employment pathways by providing wage subsidies to support employers in hiring Indigenous students for work experiences tied to academic programming. This initiative enriches work-integrated learning experiences and success for Indigenous students and employers.

NCEWIL Program Information

In the Fall of 2023, the University of Lethbridge Career Bridge Centre for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and Career Development, in partnership with PrairiesCan, the Mastercard Foundation, and the City of Lethbridge, launched the Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence for Work Integrated Learning (NCEWIL).

The NCEWIL program is designed to:

  • Enhance access, retention, and success rates for Indigenous students and stakeholders within Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs.
  • Lead the Indigenization of WIL programs at the University of Lethbridge through diverse and inclusive partnerships.
  • Foster a community of practice that supports and upholds our program values of cultural respect, support, partnership and collaboration, and education and training.

What You Need To Know:

To qualify for the NCEWIL wage subsidy, the following criteria must be met:

  • The student must be enrolled at the University of Lethbridge, enrolled in a WIL program, and participating in the Niitsitapi Circle of Excellence.
  • The student must self-identify as Indigenous.
  • The employer must be either:
    • an Indigenous community organization or
    • an industry/business that supports the goals and values of NCEWIL.
  • The work term must align with the student's academic and professional development objectives.

Employers are encouraged to apply for wage subsidies as soon as they are interested in hiring a student. We recommend applying around the following dates to align with the Iniskim's (University of Lethbridge) co-op work terms:

  • November 1 for the January-April (Winter Semester)
  • March 1 for the May-August (Summer Semester)
  • July 1 for the September-December (Fall Semester)

The NCEWIL program offers financial support for employers hiring Indigenous students:

  • Co-op Students: Up to $9,600 per student per semester (multiple students can be hired)
    • Full-time/paid position
    • Example: If you hire an Indigenous co-op student to work 40 hours a week at $20.00/hour for 12 weeks, your total cost for wages will be $9,600.

Employ Co-op Students

  • Applied Studies Students: Up to $3,200 per student per semester
    • 120-hour of part-time work experience tied to research
    • Example: If you hire an Indigenous applied studies student to work 120 hours over 12 weeks, you can offer the student up to $3,200 (approx. $26.50/hour)

Employ Applied Studies Students

Note: NCEWIL funding does not include statutory benefits (CPP, EI) for either program.

How to Apply

Application

Employers interested in applying for the wage subsidy can reach out to the NCEWIL team for more information and to submit their application. Please contact us by:​

  • Email: ncewil@uleth.ca or career.bridge@uleth.ca
  • Phone: 403-329-2000 (Career Bridge Office) or 403-380-1810 (NCEWIL Office)

We look forward to collaborating with you to support Indigenous students' academic and professional growth, ensuring they receive the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.

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