The Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) Program: Wage Subsidies for Hiring Young Professionals in Nova Scotia

The Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) Program is an initiative by the Government of Nova Scotia designed to strengthen the province’s workforce by encouraging employers to hire recent graduates. By offering salary incentives, the program aims to retain young talent within Nova Scotia, fostering economic growth and innovation. citeturn0search0

Program Streams

The GTO Program comprises two main streams to cater to diverse employer needs:

GTO Grow

Purpose: To assist employers in hiring recent graduates into new, permanent, full-time positions.

Eligibility:

  • Employers:
    • Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
    • Start-up companies incorporated within two years of the application date.
    • Social enterprises, non-profit organizations, or registered charities with recognized standing.
  • Positions:
    • Must be new, permanent, full-time roles with a minimum salary of $37,500 per year.
    • Should align with the graduate’s field of study.
  • Graduates:
    • Must have completed a post-secondary program within one year prior to their start date.

Incentives:

  • 25% of the first year’s salary.
  • 12.5% of the second year’s salary.

An additional 10% subsidy in the first year is available if the hired graduate self-identifies as Mi’kmaq or Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, a visible minority, a person with a disability, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, a woman in an under-represented occupation, or an international student.

GTO Innovate

Purpose: To support employers in hiring recent master’s or PhD graduates for innovation-focused roles.

Eligibility:

  • Employers:
    • For-profit businesses with no more than 200 full-time employees.
  • Positions:
    • New, permanent, full-time roles with a minimum salary of $60,000 per year.
    • At least 50% of the role must involve innovation-based activities, such as applied research, product development, or process improvement.
  • Graduates:
    • Must have completed a master’s or doctoral degree within one year prior to their start date.

Incentives:

  • 30% of the first year’s salary.
  • 15% of the second year’s salary.

Similar to GTO Grow, an additional 10% subsidy in the first year is available for hiring graduates from designated groups.

Application Process

  1. Review Program Guidelines:
    • Familiarize yourself with the detailed program guidelines to ensure your organization and the prospective position meet all eligibility criteria.
  2. Prepare Necessary Documentation:
    • A comprehensive job description outlining the role and responsibilities.
    • A T4 Summary for your organization
  3. Submit Application:
    • Applications are processed through the Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS).
    • If you don’t have a LaMPSS account, you’ll need to create one.
    • Complete and submit the application form relevant to the desired program stream (GTO Grow or GTO Innovate).
  4. Await Approval:
    • The review process typically takes about two weeks.
    • Ensure that the graduate does not commence employment until the application is approved.

Additional Considerations

  • Non-Eligibility:
    • Employers receiving other government wage funding for the same position are not eligible.
    • Apprentices in registered trades are excluded; employers should consider the START program for such roles.
  • Retention Success:
    • Over 85% of graduates hired through the GTO program remain employed in Nova Scotia after the funding period, with more than half continuing with their original employer.

By participating in the Graduate to Opportunity Program, employers not only benefit from financial incentives but also contribute to the development of a skilled and youthful workforce in Nova Scotia.This initiative plays a pivotal role in retaining young professionals within the province, driving innovation, and supporting economic growth.