- Employers
- Participants
- Educators
About the Program
Funded by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the goal of the WILWorks Youth in Manufacturing Program is to increase awareness of the manufacturing sector as a career destination of choice. Atlantic Canada employers involved in the program will receive mentorship training for current employees at no cost and a financial incentive of up to $2500 for each youth work placement. The program provides eligible participants (aged 16-20) with funded industry recognized training to support a work placement in the manufacturing sector.
Interested in the program but have more questions? April hosts a casual, virtual Q&A session every Monday at 10:00am AST.
Program Funding
The program offers employers a financial incentive of up to $2,500 per participant for an 8–10-week work term.
Program Training
Participants will gain valuable knowledge and micro-credentials by completing two online self-directed training programs during their term.
EMC’s Manufacturing Foundations (approximately 6 hours) certifies that the participant has developed an authentic understanding of what it takes to be successful in manufacturing and will have demonstrated employability soft skills in a manufacturing workplace.
Lean Fundamentals (approximately 6-8 hours) certifies that the learner has developed an understanding of the principles of Lean thinking in a manufacturing environment.
Employer Benefits
- Provide youth with an opportunity to learn about careers in manufacturing
- Identify new hires for your organization
Funded By:
Eligibility
Employer Eligibility
- A registered Canadian business or organization operating in one of the four Atlantic Canada Provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
- A member of Canada's manufacturing sector or a related sector (NAICS 31-33)
- Commitment to a minimum of 12-14 hours of participant training during the work period
- Commitment to provide participants with 8-10 weeks work (80-120 hours)
Participant Eligibility
- Between 16-20 years old at program start
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Reside in Atlantic Canada (NB, NL, NS, or PEI)
Still have questions? Download our Employer FAQ for more information.
Download FAQs
Get a Head Start in Your Manufacturing Career
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 Advantages
- Gain valuable work experience in the field manufacturing
- Participate in training that will enable you to make valuable contributions at work and in future opportunities
- Start building your network and work experience
- Earn micro-credentials for Manufacturing Foundations and Lean Fundamentals to enhance your resume
Flexible Training
The program is designed to be highly flexible. Training is delivered through online self-directed e-learning courses accessible anytime and supported by EMC staff through progress monitoring and check-ins. All set online, you'll need around 14-16 hours to wrap it up. Employers will be notified that they need to allow this time to complete the training.
Program Eligibility
The program is open to individuals
- Between the ages of 16-20 years old at program start
- Current high school student or if not in high school, not enrolled in post-secondary education or training
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Reside in Atlantic Canada (NB, NL, NS, or PEI)
Application Process
When you are looking for a job, let manufacturing employers know about this program.
Still have questions? Download our FAQ for more information.
Download FAQs
Helping Youth Get a Head Start
The Canadian manufacturing industry is a vital sector for economic growth in many countries. As technology advances and consumer demands evolve, there is continuous innovation and development in the industry, providing a dynamic work environment for youth. Being part of the industry means contributing to the creation of tangible products that people use and rely on daily. This aspect can be personally rewarding for individuals who enjoy seeing the real-world impact of their work.
Manufacturing careers offer a world of opportunities for youth, from entry-level positions to highly-skilled roles. Whether interested in engineering, design, quality control, logistics, or management, there are various roles available within the manufacturing industry to cater to different interests and skill sets. Even marketing, finance, data analysis, health and safety and environmental sustainability are career options within the manufacturing sector. It can be a great starting point for youth to build their careers and gain valuable work experience and develop practical skills
By promoting careers in manufacturing, you equip youth with in-demand skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and advanced technologies that will make them valuable contributors to the industry. Help inspire the next generation to explore manufacturing as a viable path.
Program Highlights
- Increase in work-integrated learning placements for the learners you support
- Fantastic program to support the school-to-work transition
- Networking support for connection to employers
Program Training
All youth participants complete EMC’s Manufacturing Foundations Micro-credential and EMC’s Lean Fundamentals Micro-credential training. This training is offered in a self-directed online format and will take most participants approximately 14-16 hours to complete. The training complements but does not replace existing onboarding procedures and training employers provide to new hires or student placements.
Training and Support
EMC monitors participant progress and provides individual support to ensure learning completion. Employers are informed of the participant’s progress by being included in the communications.
EMC expects employers to match the participant with a mentor – most suitably, a colleague in the same department or on the same shift. We offer online mentorship training to the individual selected to work with the participant.
Training Period
EMC requests the employer allow time for the participant to complete training in the first few weeks of the term.
Eligibility
Participant Eligibility
The program is open to individuals
- Between the ages of 16-20 years old at program start
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Reside in Atlantic Canada (NB, NL, NS, or PEI)
Participant Involvement
When you are looking for a job, let manufacturing employers know about this program.
Employers are encouraged to apply online, to participate.