Financial Incentive For Employers To Hire Youth

The Youth Internship Incentive Program (YIIP) is currently being revised. Updated program details will be available soon — please check back for the latest information.

YOUTH IN TRADES INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Starting in September 2025, the Youth Internship Incentive Program has changed to focus on providing youth the opportunity to explore and start their careers in the skilled trades and provide support to Indigenous communities. The Youth in Trades Incentive Program is designed to increase the number of employers supporting work-integrated learning internships for high school youth in the skilled trades. This financial incentive supports new employers to offer CAREERS internships, and existing employers to expand their ability to provide more skilled trades internships.

Indigenous Youth Incentive Program

The Indigenous Youth Incentive Program supports Indigenous First Nation, Métis settlements, and Métis locals to hire Indigenous youth. Under this special program, communities can be supported to hire in youth in a wide range of occupations. This financial incentive supports First Nation and Métis communities that to date have not offered internships through CAREERS, and communities that have already worked with CAREERS to expand their ability to provide more internships for youth.

THIS PROGRAM is MADE POSSIBLE WITH FUNDING FROM THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT.

FUNDING OPTIONS*

$900 Incentive

Employers must commit to a minimum of one student for 125 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience

$1,800 Incentive

Employers must commit to a minimum of one student (or more) for a total of 240 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience

$4,000 Incentive

Employers must commit to a minimum of two (or more) students for a total of 480 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience

$7,500 Incentive

Employers must commit to a minimum of three (or more) students for a total of 720 total hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience

$15,000 Incentive

(Indigenous Communities Only)
Indigenous communities may be eligible for funding up to $15,000

FOR ALL Incentive LEvels

INTERNSHIP HOURS CAN BE PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS NEED TO BE COMPLETED AND HOURS DECLARED BY SEPTEMBER 30.

ALL HOURS MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 20 WEEKS OF THE INTERNSHIP START DATE.

AT THE END OF THE REQUIRED HOURS, EXTENDING THE INTERNSHIP OR OFFERING EMPLOYMENT WILL BE AT THE EMPLOYER’S DISCRETION.

*Additional funding of up to $500 may be available exclusively to employers hiring indigenous youth under the Youth in Trades Incentive Program. Eligibility is not guaranteed. Please contact CAREERS to confirm whether you qualify for this additional funding.

funding incentives

Incentive payments will be provided to employers at the conclusion of the minimum required hours across the minimum required number of internships.

Funding can be utilized to offset expenses incurred in providing a work-integrated learning experience including:

Student Wages
Safety Training Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) directly related to the student’s position
Mentorship Support

Support internships

Funding is available to support the following internship positions

Youth in Trades Incentive Program:

Skilled Trades
Indigenous Youth Incentive Program
CO-OP Apprenticeship Program, maximum start age 25, exclusive to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Not sure if you qualify?
Contact us to learn more.

Connect with CAREERS to apply

FAQ'S

Where do I apply?

We are so excited you want to take the next step!

You can inquire about the application through our contact form above, or click HERE.

Please make a note in the comments that you are looking to apply for YiiP funding and our team will be happy to get you started in our brand new Employer Portal that houses the most up-to-date YiiP information and application process.

Applications are evaluated annually starting September 1on a first-come, first-served basis as funding is limited.

Who do I contact for more information?

For YiiP information, please contact us at yiip@nextgen.org

What happens if I have to terminate the student?

If the student internship is terminated or the student leaves the internship prior to the minimum time commitment, the employer must notify their CAREERS Program Coordinator immediately. The Program Coordinator will work with the employer to fill the position with another student or look at other options.

What would disqualify my application?

Employer will not be approved if…
- The employer is a federal, provincial, or government agency.
- The employer submits an incomplete application.
The position is not eligible if…
- The position does not align with CAREERS’ off-campus programs.
- The position has already started (positions can only start after the application has been approved). *returning students exempt*
- The position is already subsidized through another program.
- Insufficient clarification on internship roles and responsibilities or internship does not align to CAREERS programs.

When should I hear back about my application?

Employers will be informed within ten (10) business days of receiving application on the status of their application.

What happens after my application gets approved?

A CAREERS’ team member will connect to confirm position details, minimum requirements, and begin matching suitable candidates.
Candidates submitted for review and employers selects which students to interview.
Interviews scheduled and completed.
Employer selects chosen candidate(s), confirms start date and informs CAREERS of decision.
CAREERS will connect the school contact with the employer prior to start date to get the off-campus agreement in place.
Student begins internship on chosen start date
At the conclusion of minimum hour requirements, employers complete the YiiP Internship Conclusion form and provide required supporting documents for incentive payment to be provided.
CAREERS and the school will support the employer and intern with any concerns throughout the duration of the internship.