How much funding can be received?

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

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program provides funding to support the employment and training of eligible First Nations and Inuit youth. The financing modalities are designed to assist in covering wage costs for mentored work experiences among other activities.

Not-for-profit organizations may receive funding to cover up to 100% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.
Private sector employers may be eligible to receive funding to cover up to 50% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.

grant_single_labels|projects

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program supports initiatives to help youth gain essential employment skills and explore various career paths. The eligible activities include hands-on experiences and educational opportunities in different fields.

Career promotion activities to expose youth to various career options.
Science and technology activities aimed at engaging youth in these fields.
Co-operative education placements for students in grades 7 to 12.
Internships and mentored work placements to provide on-the-job experience.
Provision of wage subsidies for mentored work opportunities.
Supporting school-based work and study opportunities such as cooperative education.
National science camps that allow Indigenous students to explore science and technology through interactive sessions.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 120,000

Providing mentored internships for First Nations youth in the tech industry

$ 85,000

Co-operative placements for First Nations youth in urban planning

$ 70,000

Mentored work placements for First Nations youth in culinary arts

$ 95,000

Co-operative education placements in renewable energy for Inuit youth

$ 80,000

Career promotion program for First Nations youth interested in healthcare careers

$ 65,000

Science and technology workshops for Inuit youth

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a First Nations or Inuit government or organization, a First Nations school or federal school on reserve, a not-for-profit association, or a private sector employer.
Not-for-profit organizations may be eligible for funding to cover up to 100% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.
Private sector employers may be eligible to receive funding to cover up to 50% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program accepts applications from a variety of entities committed to providing employment and skill-building 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|who_cannot_apply

There are no specific types of companies mentioned in the grant context that are not eligible for the grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program focuses on helping youth develop employability skills and explore career opportunities. Eligible activities are designed to enhance skills through practical experiences and educational programs.

Career promotion initiatives to showcase various job and career options to youth.
Science and technology activities that expose youth to these fields and encourage career consideration.
Co-operative education placements for students in grades 7 to 12, offering school-based work experiences.
Internships and mentored work placements for youth who are not in school or are unemployed/underemployed.
Provision of wage subsidies for mentored work experiences to help youth acquire practical skills.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Evaluation and selection criteria for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program grant involve assessing the applicant's ability to meet program objectives through outlined activities, ensuring the assistance is provided only to eligible participants, and providing a detailed estimate of eligible costs. Proposals are reviewed and approved by Indigenous Services Canada Regional offices or First Nations or Inuit organizations 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: Accessing the Application Form
- If you have access, open a session on the ISC services portal to access the proposal form.
- First Nations organizations in British Columbia must apply through the First Nations Education Steering Committee.
- If you do not have access to the portal, contact your ISC Regional office or email pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca for assistance.
Step 2: Prepare Your Proposal
- Ensure that your proposal meets the National First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link Program guidelines.
- Make sure the proposal is gender-balanced and outlines the activities to be undertaken.
- Clearly explain how the activities will meet the program's objectives and outline the results to be achieved.
- Include a demonstration that the activities will provide assistance only to eligible participants.
- Provide a detailed estimate of eligible costs, including those assumed by partners.
Step 3: Submit Your Proposal
- Submit the detailed proposal electronically via the ISC services portal if you have an account.
- If submitting through the First Nations Education Steering Committee in British Columbia, follow their specific instructions for submission.
- Ensure the proposal is submitted before the deadline.
Step 4: Follow-up Post-Submission
- After submission, approved proposals will be reviewed by the ISC Regional office or the managing First Nations or Inuit organization.
- Await further communication regarding the status of your proposal.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Additional information relevant to the grant applicant includes:

Mentored work placements are intended for youth who are not in school or who are unemployed or underemployed.
Co-operative education placements are available for students in grades 7 to 12 or secondary 1 to 5.
Youth may participate in activities promoting careers and science and technology even if they are younger than 15 years of age.
Proposal evaluation and approval are conducted by the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Regional office or the First Nations or Inuit organization managing the program.
Applicants can contact their ISC Regional office or email the specified email address for more information regarding applications.

grant_single_labels|contact

pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Building a Brighter Future for First Nations and Inuit Youth

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program offers vital support to enhance the employment skills of First Nations and Inuit youth, preparing them for diverse career opportunities. This program is a critical component of the national strategy aimed at boosting employability and overcoming barriers to employment for Indigenous youth.

In-Depth Overview of the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is a linchpin in Canada's effort to integrate Indigenous youth into the country's labor market by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure and excel in employment. As part of the broader First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy, this program stands out by specifically targeting the skills and career awareness of First Nations and Inuit youth, critical drivers for economic empowerment and self-sufficiency among Indigenous communities. By providing funding and resources, it aims to alleviate the unique challenges faced by youth living on reserves or in remote communities, such as limited access to employment opportunities and career guidance.

The program invests in the future of First Nations and Inuit youth by offering a diverse range of activities including career promotion initiatives, science and technology engagement, and structured internship opportunities. These initiatives are designed not just to prepare young individuals for immediate employment but also to cultivate long-term career awareness and aspirations. Engaging activities like national science camps allow youth to explore potential careers in science and technology, promoting these fields as viable and attractive career paths.

Funding through the Skills Link Program is dispersed to eligible First Nations and Inuit communities, governments, not-for-profits, and employers who then facilitate the execution of youth employment activities. This framework not only supports community-driven development but also ensures that the programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of the youth they are meant to serve. Private sector employers participating in the program can collaborate to offer hands-on work experiences, while not-for-profits may focus on school-based co-operative education, contributing to a holistic skill-building approach.

Importantly, the program also addresses systemic barriers to employment by providing wage subsidies and mentored work placements. This support is crucial for enabling youth who are not in formal education to gain practical work exposure and enhance their employability. The program's emphasis on mentorship underscores the importance of role models and guidance in career development, offering youth a pathway to bridge the gap from education to employment.

With its practical, multifaceted approach, the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is not just about employment; it's about fostering independence and self-reliance among First Nations and Inuit youth. By promoting the value of education and professional skills, the program inspires youth to envision and create a sustainable future for themselves and their communities. Its role in the overarching national employment strategy highlights Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and socio-economic development in its Indigenous populations.