OTTAWA – The federal government has unveiled a new program designed to connect underemployed recent post-secondary graduates with small businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
Digital Skills For Youth is currently seeking applications from organizations willing to offer internships and digital skills training for post-secondary grads in order to help equip them to better meet the skills demands of the labour market.
Eligible organizations, including for-profit and not-for-profits; provincial, territorial and municipal governments and their agencies; Indigenous governments, band councils and other not-for-profit groups representing Indigenous people; and provincial and territorial Crown corporations, may apply for funding under the program prior to January 31, 2018.
The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) will review applications against program criteria for funding. Contribution agreements will be negotiated between successful applicants and ISED and the projects will be announced publicly.
Digital Skills for Youth will consider proposals for initiatives that run until the program end date of March 31, 2020.
“Innovation is changing the way Canadians work. Keeping pace with these changes means equipping Canadians with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce”, said ISED Minister Navdeep Bains, in the announcement. “The Digital Skills for Youth Program will help recent graduates gain valuable work experience for the well-paying jobs of today and tomorrow.”
