Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program is helping to fund approximately 700 agricultural positions for Canadian youth.
The YES program provides a wage subsidy to employers who hire youth (between the ages of 15 and 30 inclusive) for agricultural jobs.
Applications are currently being accepted for the program.
The program offers support for 50 per cent of wages to a maximum of $14,000. Additionally, the program offers 100 per cent of costs for relocation to a maximum of $5,000 if the employee must relocate for the position.
Eligible employers are agricultural-related organizations such as farmers, food processors and agricultural-related non-governmental organizations which can offer opportunities that will give youth agriculture career-related work experiences and skills in Canada.
These positions can be retroactive to April 1, 2020 and must end by March 31, 2021.
Examples of typical projects include farmers who wish to hire farm workers for planting and harvesting crops or managing livestock; agricultural businesses, such as greenhouses, orchards, vineyards, vegetable producers who have labour needs; small businesses who supply agricultural products or services and food processors in need of labour.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available.
For additional information regarding this program call toll free 1-866-452-5558 or visit http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/youth-employment-and-skill program/.
Marina Gillis is the 4-H agriculture extension co-ordinator for the Cape Breton Region.
