Saskatchewan Hiring, Training & Apprenticeship Incentives (2025 Guide)
Saskatchewan businesses can access a robust set of tax credits, wage subsidies, and grants to help hire, train, and retain employees and apprentices. These programs are designed to support workforce growth, skills development, and inclusion, and many can be combined with federal incentives for maximum benefit. This guide details the main programs available to Saskatchewan employers, how to qualify and apply, and tips for maximizing your claim.
- Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Tax Credit: Refundable credit for employers hiring apprentices in designated trades. Covers a percentage of eligible wages paid to new apprentices/apprentices progressing through levels. Claimable with your SK corporate tax return.
- Co-op Education & Work Placement Incentives: Refundable credits or wage subsidies for hiring post-secondary students in approved co-op or work-integrated learning programs. Claimed by incorporated employers and often stackable with federal programs.
- Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant (CSJG): Direct grant to employers to cover up to 2/3 of eligible third-party training costs for new and existing employees (max $10,000/employee/year). Employers must apply before starting the training.
- Saskatchewan Wage Subsidies for Target Groups: Sector-specific wage subsidies for hiring youth, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, and other underrepresented groups. Available through the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training or sector councils.
- Federal Stacking: Most Saskatchewan incentives can be combined with federal supports such as the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC), Canada Summer Jobs, and Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). Avoid double-claiming the same dollar of expense.
Eligibility & Application Process
- Eligible Employers: Most Saskatchewan-registered businesses, non-profits, and select public sector employers. Some sector grants are open to partnerships and sole proprietors.
- Eligible Employees: New hires, registered apprentices, co-op students, existing staff for upskilling, or workers from targeted groups. Positions must generally be based in Saskatchewan.
- How to Apply: Most wage subsidies and grants require an online or paper application before hiring/training begins (see provincial websites and sector councils). For tax credits, claim on your T2 corporate return using SK schedules (SK479, etc.).
- Documentation: Maintain all payroll, training, apprentice registration, and employment contracts for claims.
- Timing: Many programs have annual funding windows—plan hiring and training to align with application cycles.
Tip: Employers can often combine provincial and federal wage subsidies, but must avoid double-claiming the same wage/training expense. Coordinate claim timing and ensure compliance with all program rules.
Key Saskatchewan Hiring & Training Programs
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Tax Credit
Refundable credit for employers who hire and train apprentices in Red Seal and designated trades. The credit covers a percentage of eligible wages for each year of apprenticeship, increasing as the apprentice progresses. Employers must register apprentices with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) and keep payroll records. Claimed on SK corporate tax return.
Refundable credit for employers who hire and train apprentices in Red Seal and designated trades. The credit covers a percentage of eligible wages for each year of apprenticeship, increasing as the apprentice progresses. Employers must register apprentices with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) and keep payroll records. Claimed on SK corporate tax return.
Co-operative Education and Work Placement Credits
Saskatchewan offers refundable tax credits or wage subsidies to employers who hire students from approved co-op/internship programs. Employers must coordinate with post-secondary institutions and apply before the term begins. Includes enhanced support for students from underrepresented groups.
Saskatchewan offers refundable tax credits or wage subsidies to employers who hire students from approved co-op/internship programs. Employers must coordinate with post-secondary institutions and apply before the term begins. Includes enhanced support for students from underrepresented groups.
Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant (CSJG)
Covers up to 2/3 of third-party training costs for new and existing employees (maximum $10,000/employee/year, $100,000 per employer/year). Employers must apply before training begins, select an eligible training provider, and commit to ongoing employment post-training. Stackable with some federal programs.
Covers up to 2/3 of third-party training costs for new and existing employees (maximum $10,000/employee/year, $100,000 per employer/year). Employers must apply before training begins, select an eligible training provider, and commit to ongoing employment post-training. Stackable with some federal programs.
Saskatchewan Wage Subsidy Programs
Includes targeted subsidies for hiring youth, Indigenous workers, newcomers, and persons with disabilities. Programs may cover a portion of wages for a set period (e.g., 50% for 24 weeks). Apply through the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, sector councils, or job grant partners.
Includes targeted subsidies for hiring youth, Indigenous workers, newcomers, and persons with disabilities. Programs may cover a portion of wages for a set period (e.g., 50% for 24 weeks). Apply through the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, sector councils, or job grant partners.
Federal Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC)
Employers hiring Red Seal apprentices can claim a 10% federal tax credit (up to $2,000/year per eligible apprentice). Claimed on federal T2 Schedule 31.
Employers hiring Red Seal apprentices can claim a 10% federal tax credit (up to $2,000/year per eligible apprentice). Claimed on federal T2 Schedule 31.
How to Maximize Saskatchewan Hiring Incentives
- Apply for wage subsidies and job grants before hiring or starting training.
- Register eligible apprentices in Red Seal trades to access both provincial and federal apprenticeship credits.
- For co-op students, coordinate with post-secondary institutions and apply for both provincial and federal supports.
- Consult your industry association or local economic development office for additional regional grants, pilot projects, or sector-specific hiring support.
- Coordinate with your accountant/tax advisor to ensure all credits are properly claimed on your T2, T4, and grant applications.
See also: Saskatchewan Business Tax Credits Directory | Canada-Wide Business Credits
FAQ: Saskatchewan Hiring & Training Incentives
Can I stack Saskatchewan and federal hiring subsidies?
Yes, most Saskatchewan wage subsidies and training grants can be combined with federal programs, but you must coordinate to avoid double-claiming the same expense. Always read the program rules and consult your payroll provider or tax advisor.
Do I need to be incorporated to claim these incentives?
Most tax credits require incorporation, but many wage subsidies and grants are available to partnerships and sole proprietors with payroll accounts. Check program eligibility.
How do I apply for the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant?
Apply online at the Saskatchewan government’s Job Grant portal before starting the training. You’ll need to provide a training plan, identify the provider, and commit to ongoing employment for trained workers.
Are there special incentives for hiring underrepresented groups?
Yes. Saskatchewan targets wage subsidies and grants for youth, Indigenous workers, persons with disabilities, and newcomers. These often offer higher subsidy rates or longer funding periods.
What documentation do I need to keep?
Keep all payroll records, apprentice registration, co-op contracts, training invoices, and grant agreements for at least 7 years for audit purposes.
Related Saskatchewan Business Tax Credit Guides
- Saskatchewan Small Business Deduction
- Saskatchewan Innovation & R&D Tax Credits
- Clean Tech & Green Investment Credits
- Agriculture, Value-Added & Processing Credits
- Canada-Wide Business Tax Credits
Want more? Browse all Saskatchewan business credits →