International Environmental Youth Corps (IEYC)
September 2007
What is it?
The International Environmental Youth Corps (IEYC) is a key component of the federal government Youth Employment Strategy (YES) which creates career-related tailored work experiences which will allow those with skills obtained at the post-secondary level to acquire valuable work experience related to their field of study and provide them with access to networks. It also assists them in developing work-related skills marketable to Canadian employers engaged in international and/or science and technology-based work.
Who are our partners?
Human Resources Development Canada is the lead federal department for YES. Besides Environment Canada (EC), four other government departments are also involved in international internships including: the Canadian International Development Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and Canadian Heritage. Canadian youth, Canadian environmental companies and organizations are also important partners.
What are the benefits?
This program is intended to help unemployed or under-employed highly qualified Canadian youth obtain critical first jobs in their area of study through work experience with an educational focus in the environment industry sector. It will also help Canadaachieve international sustainable development objectives.
How is it delivered?
The IEYC program is managed and funded by EC but delivered by the Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO). ECO reviews and approves internship applications from environmental companies, maintains a database of applications from Canadian youth, matches qualified youth, and reports to EC.
Progress and opportunities
- The IEYC was created initially as a two-year program starting in April 1997 and sunsetting in March 1999.
- The Government of Canada renewed the YES in 1998.
- In 2003, HRSDC obtained approval from TB for the renewal of YES covering the 14 participating departments.
- The IEYC continues to offer approximately 130 intern placements in the environment sector per year.
- To date, through the program, a total of 1,400 young Canadians have found employment in the environmental sector.
Destinations
Various international locations or participation on internationally significant projects.
Duration
Six to twelve months
Funding
ECO Canada will be responsible for:
Providing potential employers with up to 40% of the wage of an entry-level position up to a maximum of $12,000.
The participant is responsible for:
Finding employment with a company, who will then receive the salary subsidy.
Funding is allocated to interns who find employers on a first come first serve basis. The best time to apply is between January and April. To determine the availability of funding visit www.eco.ca or contact ECO Canada.
Target Audience
- Canadian citizens and landed immigrants;
- Graduate from a post secondary-institution;
- Eligible for full-time employment (i.e. not returning to school) and unemployed or underemployed;
- Under the age of 30;
- Not a previous participant of a Federal Youth Employment or Education Program (previous participants of Summer Employment Programs are still eligible);
- Intending to obtain a permanent position in the environment industry
How to Apply
Visit the Web site for detailed application guidelines . Follow the link to more information and eligibility requirements.
For more information contact
ECO Canada
Suite 200, 308 - 11th Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 0Y2
Tel: (403) 233-0748
Fax: (403) 269-9544
E-mail: info.eco.ca
