First Nations and Inuit Youth Work Experience Program

The objectives of this program are to:

• support the provision of opportunities for mentored work experience;
• support the development and enhancement of essential employability skills, such as communication, problem solving, and working with others;
• expose youth to a variety of career options; and
• promote the benefits of education as being key to labour market participation.

Key Activities

• mentored work experience;
• career planning and counselling activities, including a needs assessment for each participant;
• life and work skills development for the participant.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Employers

Those in the private and non-profit sector.

Eligible Organizations

First Nation and Inuit governments and organizations may submit project proposals.

Eligible Participants

First Nations and Inuit youth aged 15 to 30 ordinarily resident on reserve or in recognized communities who are out of school, unemployed or underemployed.

Eligible Proposals

Proposals must:

• be in accordance with the program guidelines;
• outline the activities that support any or all of the above objectives;
• demonstrate that the activities will provide assistance only to eligible participants;
• provide an estimate of costs to be incurred, including any share to be borne by partners;
• outline the results to be achieved; and
• be gender-balanced.

Note: Projects must not exceed 11 months and must be completed by March 31.

Summary

The delivery agency will pay participants the applicable provincial/ territorial minimum wage.

Maximum Program Contributions

The non-profit sector is eligible to receive a contribution of up to 100% of the applicable minimum wage plus mandatory employment related costs and the private sector up to 50% of the applicable minimum wage only.

NOTE: Where a participant with disabilities is hired, all employers are eligible to apply for 100% of the wage. A maximum contribution of $3 000 per participant may be available, on an actual cost basis, for special equipment and facilities to accommodate the participant's needs.

Program Guidelines

The guidelines, the form and content of the proposal template, and the reporting templates are available on the Web site.

Review and Approval Process

Proposals will be reviewed and approved by the INAC regional office or by the First Nations or Inuit organization managing the program.

Funding Arrangements

Funding will be distributed to eligible organizations according to INAC's funding authorities.

Reporting Requirements

A final report and a youth needs assessment for each participant is required by March 31. Organizations who do not submit a final report within 30 days of the above-noted date will not be eligible for funding in the following fiscal year.

*Note: "non-profit" also known as nonprofit organizations, non profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, voluntary organizations and volunteer organizations.

Saskatchewan Contact(s):
Ms. Dianne Elkington
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Room 200
1 First Nations Way
Regina, Saskatchewan  S4S 7K5
Telephone: (306) 780-8216
Fax: (306) 780-6540
E-mail: ElkingtonD@inac-ainc.gc.ca