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Are you between 15 and 30 and ready to kickstart your career?
The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program is here to help you get job‑ready training, hands‑on experience, and paid work placements.
What’s the
YESS Program
All About?
The YESS program supports youth across Canada by providing hands-on training, paid work placements, and additional funding to help you succeed. Whether you’re facing barriers to employment or just need a boost to get started, YESS has your back.
Gain real-world experience in a paid work placement.
Develop key skills through hands-on training.
Access funding for childcare, transportation, and work gear.
Earn at least $3/hour above the local minimum wage while you learn.
Who Can Apply?
The YESS program is open to youth facing challenges such as:
Youth with disabilities
Black and other racialized youth
2SLGBTQI+ youth
Indigenous youth
Youth who didn’t finish high school
Youth living in low-income households
Youth experiencing homelessness or unstable housing
Youth in rural, remote, or fly-in communities
Program Locations
2024-25
Ottawa, Iqaluit, Montreal
2025-26
Sanikiluaq, Winnipeg, High Prairie, Kuujjuaq
2026-27
Quatuq, Montreal, Saaluit, Ottawa
2027-28
Montreal, Toronto, Inukjuaq
Program Details
Step 1
Two Weeks of Hands-On Training
Kick off your journey with two weeks of in-person training where you’ll build essential skills to help you succeed in the workplace.
Training includes:
- Insights Discovery: Beginning the Journey — Learn your strengths, communication style, and how to work with others.
- Standard First Aid — Gain life-saving skills.
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention — Build strategies to manage and de-escalate challenging situations.
- FoodSafe – Level 1 — Get certified in food safety for roles in the food industry.
- Occupational Health and Safety — Learn key practices to stay safe at work.
- Resume Writing & Interview Skills — Develop a standout resume and gain confidence in interviews.
Step 2
Eight Weeks of Paid Work Placement
Once your training is complete, you’ll jump into an eight-week paid work placement to apply what you’ve learned. We’ll help match you with a quality employer, and we’ll stay connected to provide guidance and support along the way.
💬 Need help during your placement? We’re just a phone call or email away!
Step 3
Earn While You Learn!
We know your time and effort are valuable — that's why we pay you throughout the program.
💰 During Training: Earn your provincial minimum wage + $3/hour for two weeks of training.
💰 During Work Placement: Earn your provincial minimum wage + $3/hour for up to 260 hours.
💰 Extra 8 Days of Training Stipend: We ensure you’re paid for every extra training session.
Additional Support to
Help You Succeed
👶
Childcare Support
$20/hour to help with childcare costs during training and work placement.
🚌
Transportation Assistance
Up to $125/month to cover travel expenses during training and work placement.
👕
Work Gear Allowance
Up to $650 for job-ready clothing or PPE like boots and gloves for work placement.
♿
Funding for Disability Aids
Support for assistive technology, mobility aids, or other needs.
Open Cohorts
National - Satelitte Radar Science
June 2 to 13, 2025
The Satellite Radar Science Cohort will take place in a virtual custom course designed to equip emerging researchers with the essential skills and knowledge to analyze satellite radar imagery and engage meaningfully in environmental monitoring efforts. This 2-week intensive training session will focus on building technical competencies and critical thinking through hands-on modules.
- Time commitment: 9:00am to 4:00pm on weekdays
- Format: Morning lesson followed by an afternoon lab session
Registration Form
Seats are limited — only 8 spots per location — so don’t miss your chance to gain valuable skills and experience.
👉 Fill out the registration form below to secure your spot!
Contact Us
Have questions about the YESS Program or need support during your training or work placement?
Our friendly team is ready to assist you!
Alexandra Aldrich
Summer 2025 YESS Program Coordinator