Canada opens funding call for youth construction job placements

Ottawa has opened an expression-of-interest process for organizations proposing paid construction and skilled-trades placements for people aged 15 to 30.

The Team Canada Strong Youth Placements call is aimed at entry-level work experience and pathways toward apprenticeships. The program gives priority to young people who face barriers to employment.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, public health and educational institutions, and some for-profit organizations where the proposed activity is non-commercial.

Organizations can seek up to $15 million a year for projects lasting up to two years, for a maximum initial request of $30 million. The federal page says extensions may be possible subject to performance and available funding.

The deadline is October 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern. This stage is for organizations, not a direct job application for individual young people.

Source: Employment and Social Development Canada (page updated September 17, 2026).

Illustrative photo: Ümit Yıldırım / Unsplash License. Cropped and resized.