Youth and Natural Resource

Overview of the Youth and Natural Resource program:

The Youth Employment in Natural Resources Program (YENRP), facilitated by ECO Canada, provides funding to organizations in the natural resources sector to hire young professionals. This program is designed to help businesses and organizations in sectors such as forestry, mining, energy, and related fields to increase their workforce, while simultaneously providing young professionals with valuable work experience in the natural resources industry. Host organizations benefit from financial support to reduce hiring costs and help develop the next generation of skilled workers.

Benefits of the Youth and Natural Resource program:

• Wage Subsidies: Host organizations receive up to 80% of the salary for eligible new hires, up to a maximum of $25,000 per employee. This subsidy significantly reduces the financial burden of hiring new staff, making it easier for organizations to bring on additional resources.
• Access to Skilled Workers: The program helps organizations recruit and retain young professionals who are eager to start their careers in the natural resources sector. These young professionals often bring fresh perspectives and up-to-date knowledge from their recent education.
• Support for Workforce Development: By participating in the program, organizations contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in the natural resources sector, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the future.
• Improved Capacity: With the financial assistance provided by the program, organizations can enhance their operational capacity, take on new projects, and improve overall productivity without the full financial impact of increased staffing costs.
• Promotion of Sustainability and Innovation: The program encourages the hiring of young professionals who are often well-versed in sustainable practices and innovative technologies, helping organizations incorporate these approaches into their operations.

Eligibility criteria of the Youth and Natural Resource program:

• Sector Focus: The organization must operate in the natural resources sector, including industries such as forestry, mining, energy, or related fields. Non-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, private sector businesses, and public sector employers are all eligible to apply.
• Canadian-Based: The organization must be based in Canada and legally registered. The positions funded by the program must also be located within Canada.
• Full-Time Employment: The positions created must be full-time, offering at least 30 hours per week of employment, and must be intended to provide meaningful work experience in the natural resources sector.
• Youth Employment: The organization must hire young professionals between the ages of 15 and 30 who are legally entitled to work in Canada. These individuals must be either unemployed or underemployed and not currently participating in another federally funded youth employment program.
• Commitment to Employment Standards: Host organizations must adhere to all applicable employment laws and standards, including providing fair wages and a safe work environment.