First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program (Not-for-Profit Sector)
Highlights
This program is a great opportunity for your business to support First Nations and Inuit youth in gaining essential employment skills. By participating, you can help youth acquire skills through wage subsidies for mentored work experiences and co-operative education placements. This not only benefits the youth but also brings fresh perspectives and energy to your business.
What You Get
- Up to 50% of wage costs covered for private sector employers
- Up to 100% of wage costs covered for not-for-profit organizations
- Support for mandatory employment-related costs
Benefits to Your Business
- Access to motivated and eager youth ready to learn and contribute
- Opportunity to mentor and shape future talent
- Financial support that reduces the cost of hiring and training
Participating in this program is straightforward and can significantly enhance your workforce while contributing to the community.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Wage Subsidy
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- There are no repayment terms or interest rates, as this is a subsidy, not a loan.
Eligible Expenses:
- Wage costs for mentored work experiences.
- Mandatory employment-related costs.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used to cover up to 100% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs for not-for-profit organizations.
- Private sector employers can use the funds to cover up to 50% of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for expenses outside of wage costs and mandatory employment-related costs.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this program.
Qualifications
- Must be a First Nations or Inuit government or organization.
- Must be a First Nations school or federal school on reserve.
- Must be a not-for-profit association.
Must be a private sector employer.
Disqualifications:
- None explicitly mentioned.
Description
The program offers your business a chance to help First Nations and Inuit youth gain essential job skills. You can receive funding to cover up to 100% of wage costs if you are a not-for-profit organization. If you are a private sector employer, you can get funding for up to 50% of wage costs.
This funding can be used for various activities. These include career promotion, science and technology activities, co-operative education placements, internships, and mentored work placements. By participating, your business can provide valuable work experience to youth, helping them overcome barriers to employment.
The program supports mentored work experiences and school-based opportunities. This means you can help youth develop skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. In return, you gain enthusiastic workers who can contribute to your business while learning.
Program Steps
Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a detailed proposal outlining the activities you plan to undertake. Ensure your proposal meets the National First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link Program guidelines. Your proposal should be gender-balanced and clearly explain how the activities will meet the program's objectives.
Outline Activities and Objectives: Clearly describe the activities you will implement and how they will help First Nations and Inuit youth gain employment skills. Include specific outcomes and results you aim to achieve.
Estimate Costs: Provide a detailed estimate of eligible costs, including those assumed by partners. This should cover wage subsidies, mandatory employment-related costs, and any other expenses related to the program activities.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documentation to support your application. This includes:
- Detailed proposal
- Cost estimates
- Proof of eligibility for youth participants
- Any agreements with private sector or non-profit sector employers
Access the ISC Services Portal: If you have access to the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) services portal, log in to complete and submit your proposal form electronically. If you do not have access, contact your ISC Regional office for assistance.
Submit Your Proposal: Ensure all sections of your proposal are complete and submit it through the ISC services portal or directly to your ISC Regional office. For First Nations organizations in British Columbia, submit through the First Nations Education Steering Committee.
Follow Up: After submission, follow up with your ISC Regional office to confirm receipt and address any additional information requests. This step ensures your proposal is reviewed and processed in a timely manner.
