How to Check Youth Employment Incentive Programs (For Employers)

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Understand the general purpose

    Many countries run incentive programs that pay small and medium-sized businesses a subsidy for hiring young jobseekers who've had a hard time finding work, as a way to boost youth employment.

  2. Check your national employment portal for current terms

    Eligible business types, subsidy amounts, and payment periods can change from year to year, so always check your country's official labor or employment agency website for the latest details before assuming anything applies.

  3. Check the employer and employee requirements

    Requirements around company size, industry, and the age or job-seeking history of the young employee being hired are typically spelled out in each program's official notice.

  4. Submit an application through the official portal

    Once you've confirmed you're eligible, submit the required application and supporting documents online through your country's employment service platform.

  5. Maintain the employment for the required period

    To receive the subsidy, you generally need to keep the hired employee on staff for a minimum period. Ending employment early can reduce or disqualify the payment.

  6. Receive the incentive after review

    After reviewing whether the employment-retention requirement and other conditions were met, the subsidy is paid out to qualifying businesses.

A Program to Support Small Businesses Hiring Young Workers

This kind of incentive generally works by paying a subsidy to small and medium-sized employers who hire young jobseekers as regular full-time staff, in order to encourage youth employment. Exact eligibility, subsidy amounts, and payment schedules vary widely by country and program and change frequently, so this guide covers the general process only. Always confirm the specific requirements and amounts with your national labor or employment agency. This is general information, not professional or legal advice.

Check Social Insurance Support for Small Businesses While You're At It

If you run a small business, it's also worth looking into social insurance premium support programs. Many countries offer similar subsidies that help smaller employers cover the cost of mandatory insurance contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which businesses can typically apply for this kind of program?

These programs are usually aimed at small and medium-sized businesses hiring young workers as regular employees, but the exact requirements, such as industry or company size, vary by country and by year, so always check your national employment agency's current notice.

What happens if I can't keep the employee on staff for the required period?

Most programs require maintaining employment for a minimum period to receive the full subsidy. Ending the employment early can result in a reduced or canceled payment.