What is a wage subsidy program and how can it help me? When you graduate from College or University it does not always guarantee a job. You may have graduated with honours but still lack the practical work experience employers are looking for. This can be a very frustrating cycle.

Some employers feel that it is too costly to hire someone with little or no experience. The reason essentially breaks down to cost effectiveness. If someone has no experience, but are hired, someone else needs to train them to do the job effectively. The employer is then paying two employees instead of one experienced employee. Therefore, a long training period can be a deterrent for some employers who can't afford to pay two employees. This is where a wage subsidy program can help you. What wage subsidy programs can do is create opportunities for a job seeker to gain needed experience.

A wage subsidy program is designed to provide employers with the dollars needed to hire less experienced employees. These funds cover anywhere between three to twelve months of partial wages. Some subsidy programs are only granted to employers that are willing to provide sustainable employment. Whether you are a recent graduate, underemployed or even a high school student there are wage subsidy programs available for you. Each program is different but all wage subsidy programs are designed to provide a portion of your wages to the employer. Be sure to research the necessary requirements of both employer and employee to ensure a successful experience.

Now that you know what a wage subsidy program is how can you access one? There are two main funding agencies in Calgary that offer this type of program. If you are a Métis person then Métis Employment Services Region III can help you. You first have to be seen by an Employment Counsellor before you can access any programs they have to offer. For more information on the wage subsidy program or other services offered by Métis Employment Services Region III give them a call at (403) 250-8902.

If you are First Nations, with Treaty Status, from any band in Canada and over the age of 30 years old then you can go to Aboriginal Futures Career and Training Centre (AFC&TC) to find out more information about Treaty Seven Economic Development Corporation's (T7EDC) wage subsidy programs and services. T7EDC holds the funds for urban Treaty Status residents of Calgary. However, the first step in accessing funds from T7EDC would be to apply with AFC&TC.

If you are a Treaty Status youth residing in Calgary, between the ages of 15 to 30, your first step for funding would be to contact T7EDC and ask to speak to the "Youth Program Coordinator", Rob St. Denis. The Youth Program Coordinator will be able to provide you with the application process and any additional information on T7EDC youth programs and services. The telephone number is (403) 251-9242.

Remember that these agencies are there to provide you with the "means" to obtain practical experience through the wage subsidy program. They are not designed to find an employer for you. This means you may need to approach an employer of interest to see if this type of employment opportunity is feasible. Remember that perseverance and resiliency are excellent traits employers look for. Good Luck.