Youth Employment and Skills Program

Wage subsidies to support employers in creating agricultural jobs for youth aged 15 to 30 years.

Application Window

March 5, 2026 to May 4, 2026

Amount

Up to $14,000

Type

Grant

Provider

Government of Canada

Funding Details

Funding:

  • 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000, OR 80% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $14,000 if employers:
    • Are Indigenous individuals or organizations
    • Hire a youth facing barriers
  • Up to an additional $5,000 per project may be provided to support youth participants who relocate for the project and/or face a barrier to employment

Eligibility:

  • Agricultural-related organization in Canada
  • Offer opportunities that will give youth agriculture career-related work experiences and skills
  • Stacking of government funds is permitted but you cannot receive more than 100% of the total project amount in total financing (municipal, provincial or federal)
    • The onus is on the employer to make sure the ‘other program’ allows stacking
  • a youth that has already participated under the YESP may participate again, provided they are not hired by the same employer in back-to-back program years (for example, 2025-26 and 2026-27)
    • there is no restriction on hiring the same youth in back-to-back program years if the youth faces a barrier to employment, provided they still meet all eligibility criteria

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