The Youth Internship Incentive Program (YIIP) is currently being revised. Updated program details will be available soon — please check back for the latest information.
Starting in September 2025, the Youth Internship Incentive Program has changed to focus on providing youth the opportunity to explore and start their careers in the skilled trades and provide support to Indigenous communities. The Youth in Trades Incentive Program is designed to increase the number of employers supporting work-integrated learning internships for high school youth in the skilled trades. This financial incentive supports new employers to offer CAREERS internships, and existing employers to expand their ability to provide more skilled trades internships.
The Indigenous Youth Incentive Program supports Indigenous First Nation, Métis settlements, and Métis locals to hire Indigenous youth. Under this special program, communities can be supported to hire in youth in a wide range of occupations. This financial incentive supports First Nation and Métis communities that to date have not offered internships through CAREERS, and communities that have already worked with CAREERS to expand their ability to provide more internships for youth.
For the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive go HERE
Employers must commit to a minimum of one student for 125 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience.
Employers must commit to a minimum of one (or more) student(s) for a total of 240 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience.
Employers must commit to a minimum of two (or more) students for a total of 480 hours of on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience.
(Indigenous Communities Only)
Indigenous communities may be eligible for funding up to $15,000. Contact CAREERS for more information
Additional funding of up to $500 is available for employers offering skilled trades internships for Indigenous youth (This top up is not available under the Indigenous Youth Incentive Program). Connect with us to learn if you qualify for additional funding.
Incentive payments will be provided to employers at the conclusion of the minimum required hours across the minimum required number of internships.
Funding can be utilized to offset expenses incurred in providing a work-integrated learning experience including:
Funding is available to support the following internship positions
Youth in Trades Incentive Program:
We are so excited you want to take the next step!
You can inquire about the application through our contact form above, or click HERE.
Please make a note in the comments that you are looking to apply for YiiP funding and our team will be happy to get you started in our brand new Employer Portal that houses the most up-to-date YiiP information and application process.
Applications are evaluated annually starting September 1on a first-come, first-served basis as funding is limited.
For YiiP information, please contact us at yiip@nextgen.org
If the student internship is terminated or the student leaves the internship prior to the minimum time commitment, the employer must notify their CAREERS Program Coordinator immediately. The Program Coordinator will work with the employer to fill the position with another student or look at other options.
Employers will be informed within ten (10) business days of receiving application on the status of their application.
Students exploring internships in skilled trades may also be eligible to fast track their training through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Learn more.
