Young Canada Works for Aboriginal Urban Youth

Young Canada Works for Aboriginal Urban Youth (YCWAUY) supports Aboriginal youth, aged 16 to 30 inclusive, to explore career choices and gain the skills and knowledge required to participate in the labour force through summer work experiences, lasting 6 to 16 consecutive weeks. This program is offered in collaboration with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC).  

Background Information

Young Canada Works for Aboriginal Urban Youth was previously supported through Canadian Heritage, but as of April 1, 2012, it has moved to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

YCWAUY continues to be part of the larger Young Canada Works program, which is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy. This Program is committed to helping young people – students and graduates – particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, experience and ability they need to enter Canada's workforce.

Program Basics

Type of Employer:

  • Aboriginal Friendship Centres
  • Provincial Territorial Associations associated with the National Association of Friendship Centres

Employer Advantage:

  • YCW enables an employer to gain access to a group of students with skills specifically related to the organizations needs.

Students' objectives:

  • To exercise their skills and gain experience, and;
  • To acquire work experience in their field.

Number of positions:

  • up to 280

Duration:

  • 6 to 16 weeks, and;
  • 30 to 40 hours per week.

Additional Information

For more information on the YCWAUY program, its forms and application process, please visit the Young Canada Works section of the National Association of Friendship Centres.