Natural resource sectors include: the Energy Sector, Forest Sector, Mining, Minerals & Metals Sector, and Earth Sciences & Support Sector.
A quick overview of the most important details about the program for both youth participants and employers.
Build essential skills to succeed in the workplace and prepare for your career.
Receive up to $23,800 in valuable wage funding support designed to alleviate the financial commitments of new talent.
Gain hands-on experience in the natural resource field to kickstart your career.
Explore high-demand careers in Energy, Mining & Minerals, Forestry and supporting Earth Science sectors and build your network for long-term employment.
The Youth in Natural Resources program is designed to train and support participants aged 15 to 30 who are looking to transition into or gain experience in the natural resources field.
This program not only helps participants build a network of peers and mentors but also provides employers with a chance to onboard young professionals. By doing so, it creates meaningful job opportunities in environmental sectors such as Energy, Forestry, Mining, Minerals & Metals, and Earth Sciences, while addressing the challenges often associated with hiring new professionals.
Learn everything about the program, eligibility, funding, placement details, and step-by-step instructions for both employers and participants.
Fill out the form to access the full guide and start your journey in Canada’s natural resources sector.
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Are you aged 15–30, facing barriers to employment, and ready to gain valuable work experience in the Natural Resources field?
Are you an employer working on projects in the Mining & Minerals, Energy, Forestry, or supporting Earth-Science sectors of the Natural Resource Field and hiring talented youth?
For questions about the program or placement/application process, see our frequently asked questions or contact our Employment Programs team today.
Employment Programs Team
Phone: (403) 906-3132
Email: pathways@eco.ca
The Youth in Natural Resources Program provides training and funding for young professionals to help them transition into the workforce and gain experience in the natural resources sector. The program helps them build a network of peers and mentors.
Complete the eligibility assessment and application.
Both candidates and employers are notified once pre-qualified.
Candidates and employers secure placements; ECO Canada provides a Job Board to assist.
Funding is confirmed once a match is approved and agreements are signed within 15 days.
Wage coverage is applied according to eligibility, with additional support for Northern, Rural, Remote, Indigenous, or disability-designated placements.
Equity-deserving groups include persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and those living in remote areas, including Canada’s territories. Both the employer and the candidate must complete reports throughout the placement for the employer to receive the wage subsidy.
Watch how young professionals turned their passion for the planet into purpose-driven work through Youth in Natural Resources.
See how the Youth in Natural Resources Program helps participants gain hands-on environmental experience while supporting organizations across Canada with real sustainability and climate-focused projects.
After the quiz, complete your application to get approved for one or more programs.
Once confirmed, secure your position by signing your funding agreement.
Have the candidate submit a participant application for review.
Complete your progress reports, and provide pay statement to receive your wage funding.
As an approved Host Employer, you are committed to the success of the placement, the candidate and the overall growth of qualified environmental workers in Canada. We look forward to working with your team to meet these objectives!
Dans un esprit de respect, de réciprocité et de vérité, nous honorons et reconnaissons Moh’kinsstis, le territoire traditionnel du Traité 7 et les pratiques orales de la confédération des Pieds-Noirs : Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, ainsi que les nations Îyâxe Nakoda et Tsuut’ina. Nous reconnaissons que ce territoire abrite la Nation métisse de l’Alberta, la région 3 au sein de la patrie historique des Métis du Nord-Ouest. Enfin, nous reconnaissons toutes les nations qui vivent, travaillent et se divertissent sur ce territoire, et qui l’honorent et le célèbrent.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
Nous travaillons actuellement sur la version française du site que nous espérons lancer très bientôt!
Merci pour votre patience et compréhension pendant que nous finalisons la version améliorée du site.
We are working to launch the French site very soon!
Thank you for your patience while we finalize the new and improved version of our website.