News in brief:
– Canada government allocates over $13.5 million for Youth Employment and Skills Program in agriculture, facilitating 1,200 job opportunities for Canadian youth.
– The program prioritises inclusivity, targeting diverse demographics and offering financial assistance to employers, with Indigenous employers receiving preference for the upcoming cycle.
On Monday, 26 Febeuary 2024, applications for the Canadian Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) opened. Led by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the program will inject approximately $13.5 million to facilitate around 1,200 job placements for young individuals in the agricultural domain, according to the press release.
The YESP stands as a beacon of support, offering financial assistance of up to 50% of wages, capped at $14,000, to employers hiring Canadian youths. Particularly noteworthy is the provision for employers engaging youth confronting employment barriers, extending support to cover 80% of salary and benefits costs, with an additional potential aid of $5,000 to surmount specific employment hurdles.
How to apply for Canada’s 2024 youth employment and skills program
The initiative embraces diversity by targeting various demographics, including Indigenous youth, those with disabilities, racialized individuals, recent newcomers, single parents, residents of low-income households, high school dropouts, individuals in remote areas, linguistic minority communities, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.
The application window, spanning from February 26 to March 25, beckons agricultural employers to submit their projects for consideration. Notably, Indigenous employers will receive priority consideration for the 2024-2025 program cycle, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation. Applications are available through the Youth Employment and Skills Program webpage with a four-step process.
Impact of YESP
Minister MacAulay voiced optimism, emphasising the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of the agricultural landscape. He urges stakeholders to seize the opportunity presented by the YESP, envisioning a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the youth and employers.
As part of the broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), the YESP exemplifies the government’s dedication to equipping young Canadians with the necessary skills and experience to thrive in the labor market. Since its inception in 2019, the YESP has already impacted over 5,100 youth in agricultural roles across the nation, with nearly 1,500 individuals overcoming employment barriers through the program.
For those eager to partake in this transformative initiative, application forms and additional details are accessible via the Youth Employment and Skills Program webpage or by reaching out to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through email or phone.
