Many First Nations and Inuit youth face barriers to finding work, from limited local job options to fewer chances to build job-ready skills. The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is a federal initiative that funds community-led projects preparing youth for employment or further training. It supports practical skills, work experience, and career exploration for youth aged 15 to 30.
Skills Link is part of the federal Indigenous labour market programming delivered by Indigenous Services Canada. The program provides non-repayable contribution funding to organizations that run projects helping First Nations and Inuit youth gain essential employment skills and learn about career paths.
Key program facts
Unlike wage subsidies that focus on short-term jobs, Skills Link emphasizes pre-employment and employability—helping youth build confidence, transferable skills, and awareness of job and training options.
Projects must be led by eligible organizations, not individual youth. Eligible applicants include:
Projects funded through Skills Link must serve:
Some activities may allow participation by youth under 15, but the core program focus remains on the 15–30 age group.
Skills Link funding supports projects that help youth move closer to the labour market or further education. Eligible activities typically include:
Funding can cover project-related costs tied directly to these activities, as long as they align with program objectives.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your organization and project idea fit Skills Link criteria before you apply.
Skills Link does not guarantee a job at the end of every project. Instead, it focuses on building foundations that improve long-term employment outcomes, such as:
For many communities, Skills Link acts as a first step in a broader employment strategy that may later connect youth to wage subsidies, apprenticeships, or post-secondary supports.
Skills Link is about skill development and readiness, not long-term employment positions.
Most funded activities must serve youth aged 15–30 at the start of participation.
Contribution agreements require progress and financial reporting. Plan staff time for this.
For not-for-profits, Skills Link provides non-repayable contributions, which affects how projects should be budgeted and approved internally.
Intake timelines and priorities can differ by region. Early contact can help you shape a project that meets local needs and funding criteria.
Projects are more successful when youth have a say in the types of activities and supports offered.
Culturally relevant programming is encouraged and can strengthen your proposal.
Set aside resources and staff time for required progress and financial reports.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program?
Eligible applicants include First Nations and Inuit communities, governments, non-profits, schools, and some private sector employers delivering qualifying projects.
Q: What youth participants qualify under Skills Link?
Participants must be First Nations or Inuit youth aged 15–30 and legally entitled to work in Canada.
Q: What expenses does the Skills Link Program cover?
Funding supports project costs related to skills development, employment readiness, and career exploration activities.
Q: Is Skills Link funding repayable or non-repayable?
The program provides non-repayable contributions covering up to 100% of eligible project costs for not-for-profits.
Q: Can Skills Link be combined with other Indigenous employment funding?
In some cases, stacking funding may be possible, depending on program rules and total government assistance limits.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—including Indigenous employment funding—so you can check which ones match your organization’s profile.
If your organization supports First Nations or Inuit youth, Skills Link can fund the early-stage employment supports that make long-term success possible. The key is aligning your project with the program’s focus on skills, readiness, and career awareness. GrantHub helps you compare Indigenous employment programs, confirm eligibility, and spot complementary funding options across federal and provincial programs.
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