
ECO Canada — Youth Employment in Natural Resources YNR
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Subsidy to hire young professionals in STEM
ECO Canada — Youth Employment in Natural Resources YNR at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $20,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : December 21, 2023
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
Funds Providers
- ECO Canada
Program status
Open
Overview of the ECO Canada — Youth Employment in Natural Resources YNR program
The ECO Canada Youth Employment in Natural Resources (YNR) program provides eligible employers with up to 75% wage coverage, to a maximum of $20,000—or $30,000 for Indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, or those in rural or remote areas. This funding aims to help train and employ youth aged 15-30 in the natural resources sector, supporting work placements that offer valuable industry experience.
Financing terms and conditions
- Coverage of 75% of wages up to $20,000 for hiring youth in natural resources roles.
- Coverage increases to 75% up to $30,000 for hiring Indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, or those from rural or remote locations.
Eligible projects & activities
- Training and employing youth in natural resources fields.
- Providing work experience opportunities for young practitioners in natural resource sectors.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 18,000
Supporting job growth for recent graduates in the clean energy sector
$ 18,000
Hiring a youth to support forest conservation and restoration projects
$ 18,000
Offering digital environmental skills training for youth through wage coverage
$ 18,000
Training young professionals in Earth Sciences through Science Horizons program
$ 16,500
Creating co-op opportunities for environmental science students
$ 17,250
Employing newcomers to Canada in mineral exploration projects
Eligibility criteria of the ECO Canada — Youth Employment in Natural Resources YNR program
- The employer must be seeking to hire youth (aged 15-30) for positions in the natural resources field.
- The employer must be able to provide meaningful work experience or training relevant to natural resources.
- Employers are eligible for higher wage funding when hiring Indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, or individuals living in rural or remote locations.
Who is eligible?
- Employers in the natural resources sector
Eligible expenses
- Wages or salaries paid to youth employees during their employment period, including increased coverage for Indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, or those living in rural or remote locations.
How to apply to the ECO Canada — Youth Employment in Natural Resources YNR program
1
Complete the Application Form
- Visit the official ECO Canada website to access the grant application form.
- Fill in all required details including organization information and the program you are applying for.
2
Review Eligibility Criteria
Ensure your organization and the job candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen program.
3
Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather necessary documents such as proof of business registration, candidate résumés, and any other required certifications.
4
Submit the Application
- Upload completed application form and all supporting documents through the specified submission portal on the ECO Canada website.
- Verify all information for accuracy and completeness before final submission.
5
Await Confirmation
- Receive confirmation of application receipt via email.
- Keep this confirmation for your records.
Additional information
- Programs are open to both new applicants and those who have previously participated.
- ECO Canada has distributed over $144 million in wage and training subsidies to date, supporting more than 14,000 job placements.
- Multiple wage subsidy and training programs are available, each with distinct requirements and benefits.
- Applicants can compare programs and seek guidance from ECO Canada's team for support in selecting the most suitable program.

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