Funded by the Province of British Columbia’s StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan
B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative
This initiative supports skills training and short-term, paid work placements for up to 500 B.C. youth aged 16-21 to develop skills and work experience for success in the workforce. British Columbia’s manufacturing employers participating in the program will receive mentorship training for one current employee and a financial subsidy of up to $3,500 for each youth work placement.
- Employers
- Participants
- Educators

About the Program
Hiring youth can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your manufacturing company. By providing opportunities for young individuals, you can contribute to their professional development and foster a skilled workforce for the future. Embracing the talents of youth not only cultivates a dynamic work environment but also enables your business to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
Through EMC’s B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative, funded by the Province of British Columbia’s Stronger BC: Future Ready Action Plan, eligible employers receive a financial subsidy of up to $3,500 to offset onboarding, on-the-job training and wage costs.
Program Funding
Eligible employers will receive up to $3,500 per placement to offset onboarding, on-the-job training and wage costs for participants aged 16-21 (if not in high school, not enrolled in post-secondary education or training) and up to $2,500 for participants in high school.
Program Training
All youth participants complete EMC’s Micro-Credentials Training, including Manufacturing Foundations and Lean Fundamentals. In addition to the youth training, the employer receives mentorship training for one employee per placement. This can be a great way to invest in new and current employees. Participants receive ongoing support from EMC staff through regular check-ins during the placement, and EMC tracks and supports mentor training.
Mentorship in Manufacturing
The Mentorship in Manufacturing training program explores workplace mentorship, emphasizing the importance of positive relationships and employee engagement in manufacturing. Participants will learn how to be effective mentors, identify teaching opportunities, and develop mentees. Gain valuable skills to foster a successful mentorship culture in your organization.
- Introduction to Mentorship
- What it means to be a mentor
- Mentorship in Manufacturing
- Mentorship for new employees
- Developing Mentees
Business Benefits
- Financial subsidy to offset onboarding and training costs.
- Build a pipeline of enthusiastic youth interested in a career in manufacturing.
- Empower current employees with new mentorship skills and experiences.
Funded by:
Eligibility
Employer Eligibility
To be eligible for funding through EMC’s B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative, an employer must be part of the manufacturing sector (NAICS 31-33) and operate in British Columbia.
Participant Eligibility
To be eligible, youth participants must be:
- a resident of British Columbia (Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Refugee)
- eligible to work in Canada
- aged 16-21 (at start of program)
- a current high school student or if not in high school, not enrolled in post-secondary education or training
Still have questions? Download our FAQ for more information.
Download FAQs
Get a Head Start With A Career in Manufacturing
Manufacturing - where creativity merges with technology to bring ideas to life. Experience a sense of pride in transforming raw materials into innovative products that shape our world. Explore careers that empower you to create, innovate and leave a lasting impact on society through the exciting world of manufacturing.
Imagine shaping Canada's future by creating everyday essentials. Picture yourself at the heart of cutting-edge tech, crafting items that touch daily lives, things you buy and use daily. Engage in dynamic work that keeps both your mind and body in action. If digital tech excites you and you are drawn to hands-on work, this program is your gateway. And the best part? A rewarding, stable career awaits. If this sparks your curiosity, the manufacturing world is calling your name.
Program Highlights
Develop core employability and life skills through EMC’s industry-recognized micro-credentials:
Manufacturing Foundations Micro-Credential
With EMC’s Manufacturing Foundations Micro-credential, you’ll jump into the heart of manufacturing and into key topics such as:
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Effective Problem Solving
- Team building
- Communications
- Managing Conflict & Difficult Interactions
- Attitude in the Workplace
- Accountability
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Accountability in the Workplace
- Health and Safety
Lean Fundamentals Micro-Credential
In EMC’s Lean Fundamentals Micro-credential, you’ll get acquainted with the essence of Lean Thinking, from Value Stream mapping to the art of Kaizen. But it’s not just theory - you’ll put knowledge into action with a hands-on lean project. Finish up, and you’re certified, demonstrating your understanding of the Lean Thinking principles for the manufacturing world.
- Explore career options and opportunities throughout your placement.
- Learn from seasoned professionals through the mentorship program.
Participant Eligibilty
To be eligible, youth participants must be:
- a resident of British Columbia (Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Refugee)
- eligible to work in Canada
- aged 16-21 (at start of program)
- a current high school student or if not in high school, not enrolled in post-secondary education or training
Recently Hired in Manufacturing?
Share the program details with your employers! They may be eligible for the financial subsidy, depending on your start date.

Give Youth a Head Start in Their Career
Manufacturing careers offer a world of opportunities for youth, providing stable and rewarding jobs with competitive wages. By promoting careers in manufacturing, you equip youth with in-demand skills like problem-solving, critical thinking and the use of advanced technologies that will help make them valuable contributors to the industry. Inspire the next generation to explore manufacturing as a viable path.
Our flexible program enables youth to explore and uncover diverse career paths through self-directed online learning, mentor-mentee experience and with hands-on training. Check out our FAQ for more information on the program criteria and eligibility.
Training & Support
- Youth are partnered with a mentor in the workplace to receive one-on-one support in the workplace
- Youth receive industry-recognized training and micro-credentials
Manufacturing Foundations Micro-Credential
With EMC’s Manufacturing Foundations Micro-Credential, youth will jump into the heart of manufacturing and into key topics such as:
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Effective Problem Solving
- Team building
- Communications
- Managing Conflict & Difficult Interactions
- Attitude in the Workplace
- Accountability
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Accountability in the Workplace
- Health and Safety
Lean Fundamentals Micro-Credential
In EMC’s Lean Fundamentals Micro-credential, youth will get acquainted with the essence of Lean Thinking, from Value Stream mapping to the art of Kaizen. But it’s not just theory – they will put knowledge into action with a hands-on lean project. Finish up, and they’re certified, demonstrating an understanding of the Lean Thinking principles for the manufacturing world.
Eligibility
Participant Eligibility
To be eligible, youth participants must be:
- a resident of British Columbia (Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Refugee)
- eligible to work in Canada
- aged 16-21 (at start of program)
- a current high school student or, if not in high school, not enrolled in post-secondary education or training
EMC's B.C. Youth in Manufacturing initiative is available to manufacturers with youth completing Work Experience (WEX) terms.