Closed
Source verified June 30, 2026
ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth
Wage funding for environmental digital skills jobs
Latest source updateLast Update: June 6, 2026Latest change: The Digital Skills for Youth page now shows expanded FAQ guidance on who can apply, how applications work, and what documentation or portal steps are required.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 6, 2026
Latest change: The Digital Skills for Youth page now shows expanded FAQ guidance on who can apply, how applications work, and what documentation or portal steps are required.
Digital Skills for Youth eligibility and process updated
The Digital Skills for Youth content now includes expanded FAQ guidance on eligibility, application steps, and support options, replacing the earlier simpler instructions with more detailed program-fit and hiring guidance. New details clarify that employers should use the Eligibility Questionnaire, that one application is required per position, and that extensions should be requested at least one week before the 30-day hiring deadline. The guidance also now states that co-op funding can support up to 16 weeks at a time, with a subsequent application possible for another 16-week period if the role still meets program criteria. Funding terms shown on the main program page remain 80% wage coverage up to $18,000, or $25,000 for not-for-profit organizations.
Funding available
$ 18,000
Deadline
June 30, 2026
Opened November 6, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
Eligible employers can receive up to 80% wage coverage up to $18,000 for a new full-time or part-time placement lasting 3 to 12 months. The program supports young professionals entering environmental digital skills roles.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 18,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring young professionals for environmental digital skills placements.
- Providing training and work experience in the environmental digital sector.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small and medium-sized businesses.
- Canadian-owned businesses or Canadian subsidiaries.
- Not-for-profit organizations.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations with 500 employees or more.
Eligible expenses
- Wage subsidy for the participant’s salary.
- Coverage for a new full-time or part-time placement.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
The Youth in Natural Resources program has specific evaluation and selection criteria that determine eligibility for both employers and job candidates:
- Employers must be able to offer placements related to natural resources and can receive funding to cover 75% of the candidate’s wages up to $18,000 for up to 12 months.
- Job candidates, aged 15 to 30, should be seeking to transition into or gain experience within the natural resources field.
How to apply
- Step 1: Online eligibility assessment
- Complete the eligibility form and submit the application.
- Step 2: Approval notice
- Wait for email confirmation after pre-approval.
- Step 3: Placement confirmation
- Confirm the position with a pre-approved candidate and sign the contract.
- Step 4: Funding and reporting
- Return the signed contract within 15 days and complete reports during the placement.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are submitted online through an eligibility form.
- Eligible applicants are notified by email after pre-approval.
- Funding is confirmed once the position is matched, and the contract is signed and sent back within 15 days.
- Reporting is required throughout the placement to keep the subsidy active.
Additional information
- Employers can compare multiple ECO Canada employment programs to find the best fit.
- Some programs target specific groups such as Indigenous youth, people with disabilities, and rural or remote candidates.
- The program is designed to reduce initial staffing costs while supporting work experience in the environmental sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth Program
What is the ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth?
Eligible employers can receive up to 80% wage coverage up to $18,000 for a new full-time or part-time placement lasting 3 to 12 months. The program supports young professionals entering environmental digital skills roles.
How much funding can be received?
ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $18,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was June 30, 2026.
Who is eligible for the ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth program?
To be eligible for the ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth program, you must:
Fewer than 500 employees
Environmental digital role
New placement, 3+ months
What expenses are eligible under ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth?
Hiring young professionals for environmental digital skills placements.
Providing training and work experience in the environmental digital sector.
Where is the ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth available?
The ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth program is available across Canada.
Is the ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth a grant, loan, or tax credit?
ECO Canada — Digital Skills for Youth is a Wage Subsidies And Interns