Applications now being accepted for Youth Employment and Skills Program

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $3.7 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and support approximately 300 jobs for youth in the agriculture sector.

The YESP will support agriculture employers with the cost of hiring Canadian youth with an additional focus on those who face employment barriers. Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities.

What the YESP offers:

• Employers that hire youth facing specific employment barriers will be eligible for 80 per cent of the cost of salaries and benefits, up to $14,000.
• Applicants will be eligible for an additional $5,000 in funding to address the barriers, including relocation.
• Depending on demand, the program will support 50 per cent of salaries and benefits for youth who do not face these barriers, up to $14,000.

Employers can apply between February 28 and March 21 for their project to be considered.

“Canadian youth are the future of our sector,” said Minister Bibeau. “We need to provide them with tools and opportunities to gain experience to help them reach their full potential. The Youth Employment and Skills Program helps eliminate barriers to employment for those wishing to pursue a career in agriculture.”