Between funding cycles
Last cycle closed May 4. The next deadline hasn't been announced yet.
Youth Employment and Skills Program (Agriculture)
Wage funding for agriculture and agri-food employers who hire a young worker aged 15 to 30.
About this program
The Youth Employment and Skills Program helps agriculture and agri-food employers hire youth aged 15 to 30, covering up to 50% of the young worker's wages and benefits, or up to 80% for Indigenous employers and for employers hiring youth facing barriers to employment. Funding is a non-repayable contribution. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada committed up to $27 million over 2026 to 2028, including about $13.47 million for the 2026-27 year. Intake is annual: applications for 2026-27 were accepted from March 5 to May 4, 2026. Watch for the next intake in early 2027.
Eligibility
Agriculture, agri-food and agri-business employers, including farms and for-profit businesses, hiring a youth aged 15 to 30. Higher cost-share for Indigenous employers and youth facing barriers.
Requirements
- Apply during the annual intake window
- Hire a youth aged 15 to 30
- Employer funds the balance of wages and benefits