Youth Internship Incentive Program (YIIP)

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Financial incentive for employers

The Youth Internship Incentive Program is designed to increase the number of employers supporting work-integrated learning internships in trades, technologies, and in-demand occupations. By providing a financial incentive for employers, this program will expand an employer’s ability to achieve their goals as well as to enhance opportunities for youth that align with Alberta’s skilled worker needs. Supporting employers who are new to offering CAREERS internships, supporting existing employers to expand their ability to provide more internships, and supporting employers across the province are the key targets.

Please note, we are no longer accepting applications for 2021/2022. Applications will be accepted for 2022/2023 starting in the Fall of 2022. You can sign up here to be notified.

FUNDING OPTIONS

$1,000 Incentive

Employers must commit to a minimum of 125 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience to expand high school student internships during the school year beginning September 1st and completing all hours by May 30th.

Internship hours can be part-time or full-time.

$1,800 Incentive

Employers must commit to a minimum of 240 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience.

Internship hours can be part-time or full-time.

$3,600 Incentive

Employers must commit to a minimum of 480 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience.

Internship hours can be part-time or full-time.

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.

funding incentives

Employers can apply for three (3) funding incentives per location within October 1st to September 30th of the following year.

YiiP payments will be provided to employers at the conclusion of the minimum required hours.

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 internships under CAREERS programs:

High School Internships in:

Skilled Trades
Information & Communications Technology
Agriculture
Healthcare
Power Engineering and Non-Destructive Testing
Indigenous Youth Internship Pathways

Post High School Internships for youth age 20 or under:

Pilot Programs focused on in-demand occupations, varies across Alberta
Skilled Trades – for former high school apprentices
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.

faq’s

Where do I apply?

We are so excited you want to take the next step!
You can find the application HERE.**

Applications are evaluated on first-come, first-served basis.

**Please note, we are no longer accepting applications for 2021/2022. Applications will be accepted for 2022/2023 starting in the Fall of 2022. You can sign up here to be notified.

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 minimum time commitment, the employer must notify CAREERS immediately. It is CAREERS sole discretion to determine funding eligibility should the internship end prior to the minimum committed hours.

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.