Digital Skills 4 Youth

'Digital Skills 4 Youth PEI' (DS4Y PEl) is an internship opportunity for Island youth delivered by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture with funding support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The DS4Y PEl program will focus on connecting recent graduates to meaningful employment and giving them the skills to succeed in the digital economy.

The Department will partner with Island businesses or non-profit organizations who will act as 'Intern Host Organizations' (IHOs). IHOs will provide a recent graduate with professional experience and an opportunity to learn.

Who can Apply?

Eligible employers must demonstrate that they:

• are a for-profit business or not-for-profit organization with fewer than 500 employees
• can provide valuable employment opportunities related to digital activities and skills
• have the appropriate administrative support and capacity to train and mentor the intern to enhance and maximize the intern’s experience
• allow the intern to attend short training courses to enhance their essential skills and digital skills

Project Eligibility

All types of proposals will be considered, however, priority will be given to employers who can provide the most beneficial experience to the intern, and provide the possibility of the internship leading to long-term employment. Special consideration will also be given to employers in rural areas, as well as employers looking to hire youth facing employment barriers, Indigenous youth, members of a visible minority group, persons with disabilities, and women.

Project Duration

Take advantage of this program NOW! All internships must conclude by March 31st 2023

Employee Eligibility and Selection

Once approved to hire an intern under DS4Y PEI an employer will commence the hiring process. The employer is free to hire the intern they feel will best serve their needs, but they must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the internship
• Have recently completed post-secondary studies, meaning a degree or diploma program from a recognized institution.
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status.
• Not in receipt of Employment Insurance during their internship and
• Self-assess as unemployed or underemployed, meaning they are employed below their level of education and/or hold part-time employment
• Not be an immediate family member of the employer

Application Process

To be considered for a DS4Y PEI intern opportunity the employer must provide SkillsPEI with;

• A completed DS4Y PEI Application Form
• A detailed job description - outlining the duties the intern can expect, the proposed wage and terms of employment, and how your company will be providing an experience which will contribute to intern's skill set

Funding

Through the DS4Y PEI funding, Skills PEI will provide the IHO with a maximum of $21,500 per intern in salary funds, understood to be 75% of the intern’s total salary.

SkillsPEI will also provide 'Digital Workplace Skills Training' to be completed during the internship. This will be supported at no cost to the IHO, although the IHO must agree to allow the intern to particpate.

Application Deadline

Skills PEI will now support applications on a first come, first served basis until program funds are committed.

Where can I get more Information?

Call SkillsPEI's general inquiries line at 1-877-491-4766 or visit one of the SkillsPEI offices.

Application Form

Digital Skills for Youth Application for Employers

Funding Agreement

Funded by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.