Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
Up to $7,500 per youth hireGrantFederalEmployment and Social Development Canada
Wage subsidy and skills development program for employers hiring young Canadians (ages 15–30). Covers a portion of wages for work experience placements, with higher subsidies for youth facing barriers to employment.
Deadlines
- Intake type: Rolling — apply any time
- Typical processing time: 3–6 weeks
What you'll need
Youth Employee (ages 15–30)
Position must be filled by a Canadian youth aged 15–30
Find YESS Delivery Partner
YESS is delivered through non-profit and community partners — contact ESDC to find local partners
Official program page · Details verified May 15, 2026
Related funding
- NRC IRAP Youth Employment Program — Federal, up to $30,000 per hire (50% wage subsidy)
- Student Work Placement Program — Federal, up to $7,000 per student (70% for underrepresented)
- Futurpreneur Canada Startup Program — Federal, up to $60,000 (loan + BDC co-loan)
- Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program - Business Development — Federal, up to $99,999
- ACOA Business Development Program — Federal, up to $500,000
- ACOA Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Federal, up to $1,000,000+