Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth

Organizations working in housing often struggle to find and train new talent while balancing tight project budgets. For housing providers, builders, and related organizations across Canada, the Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth offers a practical way to bring motivated young people onto your team while receiving wage support to offset hiring costs. Delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation on behalf of the Government of Canada, this program is designed to strengthen the housing sector while creating meaningful, paid work experience for Indigenous youth.

Through this initiative, sponsors receive a non-repayable wage subsidy that can cover all or part of an intern’s pay, provided the organization offers at least the local minimum wage and contributes to a supportive learning environment. Internships can be structured around real-world housing roles, including administration, maintenance, construction or renovation work, tenant services, and skilled trades pathways. Beyond the financial support, participating organizations benefit from additional capacity, fresh perspectives, and the opportunity to invest directly in long-term workforce development within First Nations and Inuit communities.

The program is national in scope and suited to nonprofits, small and medium-sized businesses, and larger enterprises involved in housing and real estate activities. Applications are typically accepted during a defined intake period each year, making it worthwhile to review the full program details to see how this opportunity could fit your staffing and community goals.