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Youth in Natural Resources
Connecting Youth with Natural Resource Sector Employers
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 supporting Earth Sciences, while addressing the challenges often associated with hiring new professionals. Eligible employers can receive a reimbursement of 75% of a new employee’s salary up to $23,800 with training and upskilling costs included.
Natural resource sectors include: the Energy Sector, Forest Sector, Mining, Minerals & Metals Sector, and Earth Sciences & Support Sector.
Who Can Participate?
Step Into the Natural Resources Sector
Participant Breakdown
- This program is open to participants who are aged 15-30.
- Funding is focused around the Natural Resources field.
- This program is open to candidate’s who hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.
Shape the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Employer Breakdown
- The program is open to business of all sizes.
- Employers must be Canadian-owned or a Canadian subsidiary, municipal government, provincial or territorial governments department, or Indigenous organizations.
- Funding will cover full-time placements that are 3-12 months in duration for new employees.
- Positions must be working within one of the Natural Resource sectors defined by Natural Resources Canada: Energy, Forestry, Mining, Minerals & Metals or supporting Earth-Sciences.
- Priority is given to those identifying as Northern/Rural/Remote, Youth with Disabilities, and Indigenous Youth.
What You Will Gain
Training and upskilling
Build essential skills to succeed in the workplace and prepare for your career.
Financial support
Receive up to $23,800 in valuable wage funding support designed to alleviate the financial commitments of new talent.
Work Experience
Gain hands-on experience in the natural resource field to kickstart your career.
Career Pathways
Explore high-demand careers in Energy, Mining & Minerals, Forestry and supporting Earth Science sectors and build your network for long-term employment.
About the Youth in Natural Resources Program
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.
Funding Will Cover Up To 12 Months of Full-Time Work
Get the Details You Need
Download
the Program Guide
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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Take the first step today
Key Highlights at a Glance
A quick overview of the most important details about the Green Horizons program for both youth participants and employers.
- Placement Dates: April 1st, 2026 – December 15th, 2026
- Placement Duration:3-12 months, full-time
- Wage Support: 75% up to $23,800
- Training Support: Training and upskilling costs are included in maximum total.
- Eligibility:Placements must be for youth aged 15-30 in Mining & Minerals, Energy, Forestry, or supporting Earth-Science sectors. The participant must be a new employee to the organization.
- Location: Canada-wide
Interested to Apply?
For Participants
Are you aged 15–30, facing barriers to employment, and ready to gain valuable work experience in the Natural Resources field?
For Employers
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
From Application to Funding
How the Program Works
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.
1. Apply Online
Complete the eligibility assessment and application.
2. Get Approved
Both candidates and employers are notified once pre-qualified.
3. Recruitment
Candidates and employers secure placements; ECO Canada provides a Job Board to assist.
4. Secure Funding
Funding is confirmed once a match is approved and agreements are signed within 15 days.
5. Receive Funding
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.
We'll help cover 75%, with coverage up to $20,000 or $30,000 for placements in Northern, Rural, or Remote areas.
Real Stories. Real Careers.
Watch how young professionals turned their passion for the planet into purpose-driven work through Youth in Natural Resources.
How it Works
Start by taking an eligibility quiz.
After the quiz, complete your application to get approved for one or more programs.
Confirm your selected candidate.
Once confirmed, secure your position by signing your funding agreement.
Find a qualified candidate.
Have the candidate submit a participant application for review.
Attend an onboarding session.
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!
