Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) connects underemployed recent post-secondary graduates with small businesses and not-for-profit organizations where they can gain meaningful work experience to help them transition to career-oriented employment.
Program participants will be able to use the skills acquired during their studies and apply them in a professional setting. Moreover, they will be able to upskill if required to better meet the demands of the labour market.
The program will be administered by delivery organizations. A delivery organization is an independent third party responsible for the delivery of DS4Y who will partner with employers where interns will carry out their internships. Delivery Organizations will ensure that interns gain valuable work experience and have access to training.
DS4Y is part of the Youth Employment Strategy (YES), a horizontal initiative involving federal departments and agencies. YES helps Canadian youth gain the knowledge, skills and work experience they need to prepare for and successfully transition to the labour market.

Program objective

The Government of Canada has developed DS4Y to help recent underemployed post-secondary graduates enhance and develop digital and soft skills through work and training.
DS4Y will create employment opportunities, specifically related to digital skills development, for underemployed youth so that they can improve their employability and receive information they need to make a successful transition into the workplace. Additionally, it will provide training opportunities related to digital and soft skills allowing youth to apply new skills and knowledge during their internship.

Further details

In the call underway for delivery organizations, associations, not-for-profits and educational institutions could all be eligible as delivery organizations (along with for-profit organizations and governments). Generally, a delivery partner is one that will market and promote the program; evaluate; select and coordinate a network of employers offering internship opportunities; negotiate and administer agreements with employers; partner with training  providers to offer upskilling opportunities; and report on the program.
Application Packages can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/programs/digital-skills-for-youth/apply-for-funding.html
Program questions can be directed to the program e-mail at: ic.digital-numerique.ic@canada.ca