Canada Digital Skills for Youth 2026–28 Call to Boost Youth Employability Through Digital Internships
Canada’s Digital Skills for Youth Programme to Support 349 Internships Annually from 2026–27
Canada’s Digital Skills for Youth programme under ISED and YESS will support 349 internships annually from 2026–27, offering up to $30,000 per intern for digital skills, training and employment support.
Canada Strengthens Youth Employability Through Digital Skills Internships
Ottawa, Canada: The Government of Canada, through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), has outlined the Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) Call for Proposals 2026–28, aimed at helping young Canadians gain practical digital work experience and transition into career-oriented employment.
The programme is part of the broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), a Government of Canada initiative delivered through a network of federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. The strategy is designed to support youth aged 15 to 30 by providing work experience, training, skills development and wraparound support.
Under the DS4Y programme, ISED will support delivery organizations that can connect underemployed post-secondary graduates with small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations offering meaningful digital skills internships.
Funding to Support 349 Internships Every Year
As per the applicant guide, the DS4Y programme has received $10.47 million per year to support 349 internships annually, starting from 2026–27.
Each internship may receive funding of up to $30,000 per intern, which includes wages, mandatory employment-related costs, training, participant support and administrative expenses. Training costs are capped at $4,000 per intern, while administrative costs for delivery organizations are generally limited to 15% of the federal contribution. Special provisions may allow higher administrative support of up to 25% for delivery organizations operating in Canada’s Northern Territories.
The programme is focused on improving the employability and marketability of youth while helping them build advanced digital skills required for the future economy.
Focus on AI, Cybersecurity, Big Data and Digital Careers
The DS4Y programme places strong emphasis on digital skills required in a rapidly changing labour market. The guide highlights that digital skills include the ability to use digital technology and tools to find, manage, apply, create and share information.
The programme identifies emerging and high-demand areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Big Data
- Automation
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Software Development
- Data Analytics
- Web Development
- Digital Marketing
- ICT Support and IT Helpdesk Services
Digital occupations under the programme may include roles such as cybersecurity specialist, data analyst, database administrator, data engineer, software developer, web designer, computer programmer, AI specialist, IT support specialist and social media specialist.
Who Can Apply as Delivery Organizations?
The programme is designed for delivery organizations that have a broad employer network and the ability to create internship opportunities for youth. Eligible recipients include:
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Municipal governments
- Indigenous organizations
- For-profit organizations, where the activity is non-commercial and aligned with programme priorities
- Public health, educational and cultural institutions
- Provincial and territorial governments, agencies and Crown corporations
Delivery organizations must have access to small and medium-sized businesses with up to 500 employees and not-for-profit organizations that can host youth interns.
Employer and Participant Eligibility
Employers participating in the programme must have legal status in Canada and must be able to provide meaningful digital skills internship opportunities. They are expected to offer administrative support, training and mentoring to help interns gain practical workplace experience.
Eligible youth participants must generally be unemployed or underemployed post-secondary graduates aged 15 to 30, legally entitled to work in Canada, and must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons granted refugee status. International students and youth on work visas are not eligible.
For youth living in Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut, the post-secondary graduation requirement is not mandatory.
Inclusion and Support for Youth Facing Barriers
A key feature of DS4Y is its focus on inclusive labour market participation. Applicants are required to demonstrate how they will support youth from diverse backgrounds, including youth facing barriers to employment.
The programme encourages applicants to build recruitment and selection processes based on equity, diversity and inclusion principles. Delivery organizations must also explain how they will reach youth from designated groups and ensure equitable access to internship opportunities.
Wraparound support, mentoring, coaching and training are also eligible activities under the programme.
Mandatory Proposal Requirements
Applicants were required to submit a complete application package, including:
- Application form
- Proposal of up to 9 pages
- Overview of the delivery organization
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plan
- Track record and capability statement
- Internship plan
- Minimum three letters of support from participating employers
- Two years of recent audited financial statements
- Proof of incorporation or eligibility documents
The internship plan is a critical part of the application and must explain how the applicant will connect youth with employers, build employer partnerships, provide digital skill development and support career-oriented employment outcomes.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed on several key merit criteria, including:
- Impact on youth and reach of the programme
- Quality and inclusiveness of internship opportunities
- Strength of the internship plan
- Track record and delivery capability
- Strength of employer network
- Governance, partnerships and organizational capacity
The guide states that merit criteria will be used to establish a priority ranking of eligible projects. ISED may select multiple recipients or a single recipient to deliver DS4Y programme objectives across Canada.
Application Deadline
The Digital Skills for Youth Call for Proposals 2026–28 accepted applications until May 22, 2026, 12 noon PST.
Applications were to be submitted by email to:
digitalskillsforyouth-competencesnumeriquespourlesjeunes@ised-isde.gc.ca
Why This Matters
The DS4Y programme comes at a time when digital transformation is reshaping labour markets worldwide. By linking young people with employers in emerging digital fields, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment while preparing youth for future-ready careers.
For small businesses and not-for-profit organizations, the programme can also support access to young digital talent in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data, ICT and digital marketing.
With its focus on employability, inclusion and employer-led work experience, Canada’s Digital Skills for Youth programme represents a significant public investment in youth workforce development and the digital economy.
Source: Digital Skills for Youth Applicant Guide, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
