Youth Supports
October 7, 2025
Provincial Programs
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Start before Grade 11 to gain hands-on experience in skilled trades while earning your high school diploma. Learn more
Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST)
Earn extra co-op credits in skilled trades during Grades 11–12. Graduates receive a special seal on their diploma. Learn more
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Focus on skills in sectors like Construction, Energy, Manufacturing, and Transportation. Earn certifications recognized by employers. Learn more
Dual Credit Programs
Take college courses or apprenticeship training that count towards both high school and college credentials. Learn more
Ready, Set, Go Program (Youth Leaving Care)
Life skills and workforce preparation for youth aging out of care. Youth can stay in care until age 23 with increased financial support. Learn more
Youth Job Connection (YJC)
Supports youth aged 15–29 facing multiple barriers to employment.
- Paid pre-employment training, job matching, paid placements, mentorship, and education/work transition support
- Funding: Up to $7,500 per client for combined support
Learn more
Youth Job Connection Summer (YJC Summer)
Offers summer, part-time, and after-school jobs for high school students aged 15–18 facing barriers.
- Includes pre-employment services, job matching, placements, and employer hiring incentives
- Funding: Up to $2,500 per client
Learn more
Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream
Provides funding to employers and organizations to create training programs that address workforce challenges in high-demand sectors.
How it helps youth: Youth can benefit by participating in these programs, which may include work-integrated learning, internships, co-op placements, or skills training funded through SDF projects.
Learn more
Federal Programs
Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations (Students)
Provides students aged 16–30 with short-term (6–16 week) jobs to gain hands-on experience in museums, archives, and other heritage settings.
Learn more
Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages (Students)
Offers students the chance to work for 6–16 weeks in official language minority communities while gaining valuable bilingual work experience.
Learn more
Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage (Graduates)
Helps recent college and university graduates gain professional experience through 4–12 month internships in Canada or abroad in the heritage, arts, and culture sectors.
Learn more
Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)
Offers paid employment opportunities in the federal public service for secondary, college, and university students, providing hands-on experience across fields such as science, policy, and administration.
Learn more
Post-Secondary Co-op/Internship Program
Allows post-secondary students to complete co-op or internship placements within the federal public service while earning academic credit and developing real-world experience.
Learn more
Research Affiliate Program (RAP)
Provides students with research opportunities in their field of study, combining mentorship and practical experience to advance scientific knowledge within federal departments.
Learn more
Disclaimer:
This page highlights some programs and supports identified through the Government of Ontario and its ministries. It is not an exhaustive list of all youth employment opportunities or funding available. Additional programs may be offered by federal ministries, other Ontario ministries, or partner organizations. Our office is actively working to expand and update this resource to ensure it reflects the most relevant opportunities for youth in Mississauga–Malton and across Ontario.