First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)?

You can contact Indigenous Services Canada by email at pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Q: Where is the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) available?

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program is available across Canada.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Funding to provide work skills to First Nations and Inuit youth

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 9, 2024
Closing date : February 9, 2024

Financing Type

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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

Financing 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.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

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.

Selection 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

How to apply

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector)?

Who is eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program?

To be eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Private Sector) program, you must: Eligible recipients include First Nations and Inuit governments, organizations, schools, and private sector employers. Not-for-profit associations and private sector employers are eligible for direct funding under specific conditions. Activities funded must provide opportunities for eligible First Nations and Inuit youth.