Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Organizations looking to build their workforce while creating meaningful opportunities for young Canadians may find the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy a strong fit. This national initiative supports projects that help youth gain real-world work experience, develop in-demand skills, and transition more confidently into the labour market. It is particularly relevant for nonprofits and small to mid-sized organizations planning multi-province or multi-territory projects that combine paid employment with training, mentorship, or other structured supports.

Delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada, the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy is designed to be flexible, recognizing that different young people face different challenges when entering the workforce. Funded projects often go beyond basic job placement, incorporating elements such as skills development, coaching, and wraparound supports that help participants stay engaged and succeed on the job. Funding can be substantial, with support reaching up to several million dollars per year for large-scale initiatives that operate across three or more provinces or territories and demonstrate strong outcomes for youth employment.

For organizations with the capacity to manage national or multi-regional projects, this program can significantly offset wage costs and program delivery expenses while contributing to long-term workforce development. Businesses and nonprofits interested in expanding youth hiring efforts or launching a skills-focused employment project may want to explore the full program details to see how this funding could support their goals.