Businesses and non‑profit groups in Conception Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, can apply to Qalipu First Nation’s 2026 Youth Summer Employment Program (YSEP) for wage subsidies to hire Indigenous students for the summer season. Qalipu is offering these subsidies to create more jobs for young people while helping local organizations manage their summer workloads.
The program pays a portion of a student’s salary for a set summer placement. Qalipu’s 2026 employer intake limits approved placements to a maximum of seven weeks (placements take place between May and the start of the student’s fall academic term). Historically, Qalipu has covered up to 75% of wages (a cap recently cited at about $16.00/hour), but funding shares and caps can vary and are governed by Qalipu’s program rules and the federal First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES).
To be eligible, employers must submit a project proposal and a job description that includes learning outcomes and on‑the‑job skill development. Qalipu’s employer guidance says jobs are open to Indigenous youth who were full‑time students in the previous academic year and plan to return to full‑time studies in the fall; Qalipu’s eligibility for this program specifies students must be aged 15–29 (inclusive).
Applicants should apply early but note Qalipu’s published deadline is 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the first Friday in March each year; confirm the exact date on Qalipu’s website. Qalipu is offering virtual information sessions and employers can book one‑on‑one application‑help calls with QFN employment officers via the Qalipu website and listed contact channels.
The YSEP is delivered using funding under the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy administered by Indigenous Services Canada. Its aim is to reduce barriers to summer employment for Indigenous students and to make it more affordable for small businesses, cafes, heritage societies and non‑profit organizations to hire extra help during the busy summer months.
