How much funding can be received?

Get a contribution to develop projects to help First Nations and Inuit youth acquire essential employment skills and learn about job and career options.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports a range of activities aimed at helping First Nations and Inuit youth gain essential employability skills and learn about various career options.

Career promotion activities
Science and technology activities
Co-operative education placements
Internships
Mentored work placements

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$160,000

Initiating an environmental technology project for Inuit youth

$60,000

Organizing career orientation workshops for First Nations youth

$90,000

Establishing a co-operative education program for Indigenous youth

$100,000

Providing technology internships for First Nations youth

$85,000

Creating mentored work placements for First Nations youth

$150,000

Launching a science camp for Inuit youth

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligible recipients include First Nations and Inuit communities, governments, and organizations, as well as not-for-profit associations, schools, and employers who can offer employment opportunities directly to youth or through agreements with private sector and non-profit sector employers.

First Nations and Inuit governments and organizations
First Nations schools or federal schools on reserve
Not-for-profit associations
Private sector employers
Eligible youth participants:
First Nations youth ordinarily resident on reserve or in a recognized community
Inuit youth who are residents in Canada but reside outside their territory and are no longer eligible to be funded by their territory
Youth legally entitled to work in Canada aged 15 to 30 at the start of the program’s activities
Mentored work placements for youth who are not in school or are unemployed or underemployed
Co-operative education placements for students in grades 7 to 12, or secondary 1 to secondary 5, enrolled in and attending a federal or band-operated school
Youth younger than 15 years old for activities promoting careers and science and technology

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program. The program eligible recipients include various organizations and employers that can provide employment opportunities for First Nations and Inuit youth.

First Nations and Inuit governments and organizations
First Nations schools or federal schools on reserve
Not-for-profit associations
Private sector employers

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs. Not-for-profit organizations may receive up to 100% coverage, and private sector employers may receive up to 50% coverage for these costs.

Wage costs
Mandatory employment-related costs

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant include First Nations reserves and recognized Inuit communities within Canada. Additionally, Inuit youth residing outside their territory but in Canada are also eligible.

First Nations reserves
Recognized Inuit communities within Canada
Inuit youth residing outside their territory in Canada

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Proposals are reviewed and approved by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Regional office or the First Nations or Inuit organization managing the program for their member communities.

Meet the National First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link Program guidelines
Be gender-balanced
Outline the activities to be undertaken and explain how they will meet the program's objectives
Outline the results to be achieved by the project
Demonstrate that the activities will provide assistance only to eligible participants
Provide an estimate of eligible costs, including those assumed by partners

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Criteria
Ensure applicant is an eligible First Nations or Inuit government, organization, school, or a not-for-profit/private sector employer.
Verify youth participants meet eligibility requirements: First Nations youth living on reserve or recognized community, or Inuit youth residing outside their territory.
Eligible youth must be legally entitled to work in Canada and aged 15 to 30 at the start of program activities.
Step 2: Prepare Detailed Proposal
Meet the National First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link Program guidelines.
Ensure the proposal is gender-balanced.
Outline activities to be undertaken and how they will meet the program’s objectives.
State the expected results of the project.
Ensure activities provide assistance only to eligible participants.
Provide an estimate of eligible costs, including those assumed by partners.
Step 3: Submit Proposal
Access proposal form through ISC services portal if applicable.
If no access to ISC services portal, contact the ISC Regional office to obtain the form.
First Nations organizations in British Columbia must apply through the First Nations Education Steering Committee.
Submit completed proposal by February 9, 2024, at 11:59 pm, Eastern time.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are some additional pieces of information about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program:

Eligible participants must be legally entitled to work in Canada and aged 15 to 30 at the start of the program’s activities.
Mentored work placements are specifically for youth who are not in school or are unemployed or underemployed.
Co-operative education placements target students in grades 7 to 12 or secondary 1 to secondary 5.
Youth participating in activities promoting careers and science and technology may be younger than 15 years of age.
Recipients who have access to the ISC services portal can access the proposal form by opening a session on the portal.
Eligible recipients may provide employment opportunities directly to youth or collaborate with private sector and non-profit sector employers.
Not-for-profit organizations can receive funding to cover up to 100% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.
Private sector employers can receive funding for up to 50% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.
To learn more or apply, contact your ISC Regional office or email pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.

grant_single_labels|contact

pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Summary of the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program assists youth in these communities to gain essential employment skills, explore career options, and overcome barriers to employment. It supports career promotion, science and technology activities, co-operative education placements, internships, and mentored work placements.

Detailed Explanation of the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is a vital initiative under the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy. This program aims to empower and equip First Nations and Inuit youth with the necessary tools to thrive in today's competitive job market. It encompasses a wide array of activities designed to develop essential employability skills, expose young individuals to various career paths, and support their entry into the workforce. This detailed overview will provide an in-depth understanding of the program, its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and key benefits.

Program Objectives

The primary goal of the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is to foster the development of skills and knowledge that enable First Nations and Inuit youth to successfully navigate and participate in the labour market. The program aims to achieve this through several specific objectives:

Enhancing Employability: The program focuses on building essential employability skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are critical for success in any workplace.
Career Exposure: By exposing youth to a variety of career options, the program helps them make informed decisions about their future professional paths.
Overcoming Employment Barriers: Many First Nations and Inuit youth face unique challenges in accessing employment opportunities. This program addresses these barriers and provides support to help youth overcome them.
Mentored Work Placements: Through wage subsidies for mentored work experiences, the program provides hands-on training and practical experience to youth who are unemployed or underemployed.
Educational Integration: The program supports school-based work and study opportunities, such as co-operative education and internships, to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Eligible Activities

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program supports a diverse range of activities aimed at skill development and career promotion. These activities include:

Career Promotion: Initiatives that promote various career options and provide guidance to youth in choosing their career paths.
Science and Technology Activities: Programs and workshops that encourage youth to explore careers in science and technology fields.
Co-operative Education Placements: Opportunities for students in grades 7 to 12 to gain work experience while still attending school.
Internships: Internships that provide practical experience and exposure to different industries and professions.
Mentored Work Placements: Paid work placements with mentorship to help youth gain hands-on experience and guidance in their chosen fields.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to a wide range of eligible applicants who can provide employment opportunities or support activities for First Nations and Inuit youth. Eligible applicants include:

First Nations and Inuit Governments and Organizations: These entities can directly apply for funding to support youth in their communities.
First Nations Schools or Federal Schools on Reserve: Schools operating on reserves can apply to create co-operative education placements and other activities for students.
Not-for-Profit Associations: These organizations may receive funding to cover up to 100% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs for eligible youth activities.
Private Sector Employers: Private sector employers may be eligible to receive funding to cover up to 50% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs for youth placements.

Eligibility Criteria for Youth Participants

To participate in the program, youth must meet specific eligibility criteria:

First Nations Youth: Youth ordinarily residing on reserve or in a recognized community, such as an approved settlement on Crown land.
Inuit Youth: Inuit youth residing in Canada but outside their territory, who can provide proof of ineligibility for funding from their territorial government.
Age: Youth must be aged 15 to 30 at the start of the program's activities.
Work Eligibility: Youth must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Mentored work placements are specifically for youth who are not in school or are unemployed or underemployed. Co-operative education placements are intended for students in grades 7 to 12, or secondary 1 to secondary 5, enrolled in and attending a federal or band-operated school. For activities promoting science and technology careers, youth may be younger than 15 years of age.

Application Process

To apply for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program, applicants must submit detailed proposals outlining the activities to be conducted during the agreement period. The proposals must meet the program's guidelines and include specific information such as:

A gender-balanced approach in the proposed activities.
A detailed description of the activities and how they will meet the program's objectives.
Expected results and outcomes of the project.
An estimate of eligible costs, including those assumed by partners.

The deadline for submissions was February 9, 2024, at 11:59 pm Eastern time. Proposals are reviewed and approved by the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Regional office or the relevant First Nations or Inuit organization managing the program for their member communities. To learn more about the application process, applicants can access the proposal form and additional resources through the ISC services portal or by contacting their ISC Regional office via email at pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.

National Science Camps

The Skills Link Program also supports annual national science camps, providing Indigenous students from across Canada with opportunities to experiment in science and technology fields. These camps aim to spark interest and encourage youth to consider careers in these areas. Participants can engage in hands-on activities, interact with professionals, and gain valuable insights into the world of science and technology.

The national science camps are held in various regions across Canada, offering a diverse range of experiences for participants. To find out about the next national science camp and learn about the selection process, interested individuals should contact their ISC Regional office.

Conclusion

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is a crucial initiative that helps bridge the gap between education and employment for First Nations and Inuit youth. By providing essential skills training, career exploration opportunities, and hands-on work experience, the program empowers youth to successfully enter the workforce and build fulfilling careers. Eligible applicants, including governments, schools, not-for-profit organizations, and private sector employers, play a vital role in facilitating these opportunities and supporting the program's objectives. Through the concerted efforts of these stakeholders, the program aims to create a brighter future for First Nations and Inuit youth, fostering their growth and success in the labour market.