Any organization registered as a non-profit or charity in NL, NS, NU or PEI can apply to become an employer if they have a position to offer. For-profit organizations and businesses are not eligible to apply. Non-profits can apply whether they have a youth they’d like to hire or not – we can help with trying to find and match a youth who has applied through our online application process. Organizations can apply to employ more than one NEET youth participant at a time, and can apply during as many of the four cohorts as they like. 

This program is for NEET youth, meaning they are between the ages of 15-30 and not in employment, education or training. Youth in the provinces of NL, NS, NU and PEI can apply if they meet this criteria. Status with Employment Insurance or Income Support/social assistance programs do not affect eligibility. If they are NEET, they can apply! There are some priority groups, however youth that do not belong to these groups are still encouraged to apply. These groups include newcomers, single parents, those with disabilities, youth in remote/rural/fly-in communities, 2SLGBTQ+ youth, Black, Indigenous and other racialized youth, etc. who are allowed to work in Canada*. Youth can apply to participate in one of the four cohorts. 

*A participant must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person under Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), as confirmed by Government of Canada documents. 

• Those awaiting refugee status or holding a temporary visitor, student or work visa, are ineligible to participate. 

• All participants must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be entitled to work in Canada. A SIN beginning with “9” indicates temporary worker status, and such individuals are not eligible for YESS projects unless they have become protected persons under IRPA. 

Key Dates

• March 15, 2026 – deadline to apply, employers and youth
• March 30-April 17, 2026 – virtual pre-employment training for youth participants
• April 20-August 28, 2026 – employment placements (flexible start and finish dates)

Download the Overview and FAQ

Youth application form: Youth Application, Spring 2026

Employer application form: Employer Application, 2026