Island students and employers benefit from Jobs for Youth 

Island students can apply for a summer job through a program that gives them valuable work experience and allows employers to benefit from their energy and talent. 

The Jobs for Youth Program, delivered by the Employment Development Agency, offers employers a wage subsidy to create summer employment opportunities for Island  students aged 15-29 who plan to return to school in the following school year. 

“The Jobs for Youth program gives our students the chance to gain meaningful work experience while allowing private sector employers and non-profit organizations to create jobs and benefit from the student’s skills. This program benefits both businesses and the community and I encourage all potential employers to explore their opportunities through Jobs for Youth.”

- Fisheries and Communities Minister Jamie Fox

The following improvements were made to the program based on feedback from the 2019 participants to better serve the needs of students and employers:

• minimum age of eligibility for students changed from 16 to 15;
• application deadline for employers is now March 31;
• employers approved for funding will be posted online in May ;
• students can now apply directly to employers for positions that interest them; 
• WorkPEI will assist students and employers with recruitment, application and hiring processes.

Last year Jobs for Youth helped employers create summer jobs for 379 Island students to work with businesses, non-profits and public sector employers.

“This program helps employers meet their labour needs but it’s also an important boost for our students,” said Minister Fox. “Job experiences, like those afforded by the Jobs for Youth program are invaluable for young people beginning their careers.”

Media contact:
Ron Ryder
Communications Officer
902-314-6367
rrryder@gov.pe.ca