Digital Skills for Youth

Overview of the Digital Skills for Youth program:

The DS4Y program aims to strengthen Canada's bio-economy by integrating digital innovations and developing a skilled workforce. It provides eligible employers with financial support to onboard qualified graduates, offering them opportunities to apply and expand their digital competencies in real-world settings. The program focuses on creating digital internships that include skills development training, mentoring, and support, thereby fostering both organizational growth and individual career advancement.

Benefits of the Digital Skills for Youth program:

• Financial Support: Up to $24,000 in wage subsidies and training funds, reducing the financial barriers to hiring skilled graduates.
• Talent Acquisition: Access to a pool of qualified post-secondary graduates ready to contribute to digital projects.
• Capacity Building: Enhances the organization's ability to implement digital innovations and navigate the evolving digital economy.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Provides a platform for existing staff to mentor new talent, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Eligibility criteria of the Digital Skills for Youth program:

• Employer Eligibility:
• Must be a Canadian bio-economy employer offering digital internships with skills development training, mentoring, and support.
• Should be a small- to medium-sized organization with fewer than 500 employees.
• Eligible Employers Include:
• Not-for-profit organizations (e.g., voluntary organizations, community organizations, public libraries, foundations).
• Municipal governments.
• Indigenous organizations (e.g., band councils, tribal councils, self-government entities).
• For-profit organizations.
• Public health and educational institutions.
• Provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies, and Crown Corporations.
• Examples of Bio-Economy Sector Businesses:
• Biotechnology Companies: Businesses engaged in genetic engineering, drug development, or biomanufacturing.
• Agriculture and Agri-Food: Companies involved in sustainable farming, crop science, bio-based fertilizers, and food production.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Organizations developing vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, or personalized medicine.
• Environmental and Bioenergy Firms: Companies creating renewable energy (e.g., biofuels), bioplastics, or waste management solutions.
• Forestry and Fisheries: Businesses focused on sustainable resource management, aquaculture, and bio-based forestry products.
• Digital Health and Bioinformatics: Companies providing data-driven solutions for healthcare and life sciences using digital tools and AI.
• Industrial Biotechnology: Firms producing enzymes, bio-based chemicals, or sustainable materials for manufacturing and other industrial uses.
• Internship Requirements:
• Must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) with a minimum duration of 3 months.
• Should provide a safe, respectful, inclusive work environment, free of harassment, abuse, and discrimination, complying with all applicable laws.
• Interns must be added to the employers payroll, including federal/provincial tax deductions (CPP, EI, etc.).
• Should offer skills development and training opportunities.