Get up to $25,500 for digital skills training to hire and train young professionals.
Looking to hire someone 30 and under this year? You might be eligible for funding to subsidize related costs.
Thank you for your interest in the Digital Skills for Youth Program. Due to high demand, the program is currently at capacity. Applications received now will be waitlisted and we will contact you if spots become available.
One grant for capital/direct costs, including small repairs or renovations to support the participation of youth facing barriers, up to a maximum of $5,000.
We require proof of payment to reimburse funds. All amounts are paid retroactively.
Employer Eligibility
A B.C. based company or non-profit,
Have less than 500 employees,
Must provide internal mentorship to support the hire’s tech role.
Intern Eligibility
Must be between 15-30 years old
Be a post-secondary graduate
Be hired between application submission date and March 1, 2023
Be working in a technology related position or supporting digital work
Not be in receipt of EI during the course of the work placement
Be legally entitled to work in Canada as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status
Not be an immediate family member of Employer/principal shareholder
Reside in B.C.
Self-assess as underemployed, meaning they are employed below their level of education and/or hold part-time employment, or are unemployed
Not have completed a DS4Y work placement in their lifetime and
Cannot be a co-op student
Key Dates
Application deadline is November 30, 2022
Earliest hire date is after the application submission date
After receiving an initial eligibility notification from Innovate BC, complete your application:
Submit Intern, Project and Training Plan
Invite a prospective candidate to complete the Intern Application form
Innovate BC has a number of grants that require employers to hire skilled workers. To help employers find the right candidate, here is a list of organizations that have available skilled workers.
If you’re interested in hiring tech talent, please reach out to a contact below with your job description and the Innovate BC program you applied for.
BrainStation connects employers with their talent network. Interested employers can join their network here: BrainStation Talent Network. To connect with the Talent network, interested employers can reach out to Meaghen Gutelius at mgutelius@brainstation.io.
If you are looking to hire a young professional, you can benefit from subsidized salary costs and help build our talent pool.
The program will:
Match underemployed young professionals/youth with SMBs and not-for-profits in digital related roles,
Provide digital skills training so youth can successfully transition to the workforce,
Increase employability and marketability of youth.
The Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program, funded by the Government of Canada, and delivered by Innovate BC, provides up to $25,500 so youth (aged 15-30) can successfully transition to the workforce.
The program helps to increase the employability and marketability of youth in British Columbia, as well as match underemployed youth with B.C. SMEs and non-profits in all regions of the province.
Program Rules
Click below to download a copy of the program rules.
Ready to Apply?
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
DE&I RESOURCES
Is your organization looking to expand their talent pool while breaking down the barriers faced by underrepresented populations? Let's talk about inclusive hiring practices!
We’ve partnered with HR Tech Group to give you access to their Diversity and Inclusion Resource HUB—the Canadian tech industry’s #1 destination for best-in-class resources and tools to understand and implement inclusive hiring practices.
FAQ
How long does it take to process an application?
Company Application and Project and Training Plan each takes up to 15 business days to process. The Employer will be notified of their application status via email shortly after review.
Can I apply to receive a Digital Skills for Youth grant before I hire an Intern?
No, applications for retroactive work placements are not eligible. Employers must submit their application before hiring an Intern.
Can I hire after I apply but before I receive formal approval from Innovate BC?
You may hire the Intern after you submit your Company Eligibility and Information form and before you receive approval from Innovate BC; however, grant funding is not guaranteed until Innovate BC receives and reviews all application materials and grants approval.
Can I hire an Intern once I receive the initial eligibility notification from Innovate BC after my Company Information and Eligibility Form is submitted?
You may begin the recruitment process; however, the prospective candidate must complete the Intern Confirmation and Application step and the Project and Training Plan in order to have your full application reviewed by Innovate BC. Approval will only be provided once the Intern and Project and Training plan are assessed for eligibility and subject to available funding. Any notification from Innovate BC prior to this point is not considered a guarantee for funding.
You may choose to hire the Intern after your application is submitted and before receiving approval however, grant funding is not guaranteed until approval is granted.
Are we eligible for Innovate BC’s Digital Skills for Youth grant if we received a Digital Skills for Youth grant from another organization in the past?
Yes, companies can receive multiple DS4Y grants, from multiple DS4Y providers, over their lifetime. However, an Intern can only participate in the DS4Y program once in their lifetime.
Are we eligible for a grant if we received other funding for the Intern?
Yes, grant stacking is permitted as long as the combined value of all grant funding does not exceed the Intern’s salary, training expenses and capital costs.
What is the definition of ‘immediate family’?
‘Immediate family’ means father, mother, step-father, step-mother, foster parent, brother, sister, spouse or common-law partner, child – including child of common-law partner, step-child, ward, father-in-law, mother-in-law, or any relative permanently residing with the recipient or the Employer.
Are international students on work permits/visas eligible for the program?
No, in order to be eligible for the Digital Skills for Youth Program, Interns must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or refugees under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Can I keep the Intern as an employee following completion of the work placement?
Yes, we encourage retaining the Intern as an employee past the work placement where possible.
"Our intern has been fantastic and we're so happy to have her. Onboarding younger staff in a small company takes time especially while remote. The Innovate BC support is a great incentive for us."
Charles Bern PATIO Interactive
"Because our intern did such a great job, we are able to increase client turnover and hire our intern post program."
Kim Wilson Bold Media Group Inc.
"The intern's work greatly contributed to the growth of the organization and allowed them to develop various digital skills thus enhancing their employability in the digital industries sector."
Upkar Tatlay Engaged Communities Canada Society
"It was a significant help to have the financial as well as mentorship support to find and develop our talent within the team."
