Hiring young talent is difficult when budgets are limited and digital skills are scarce. The Pinnguaq Digital Skills for Youth Program helps Canadian employers by covering much of the wages and training for youth in digital jobs. The program is open now and supports underemployed youth aged 15 to 30 across Canada.
This guide explains how the program works, who can apply, and what steps employers should follow to apply.
The Pinnguaq Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program, also known as SkillWorks, is a federally supported wage subsidy delivered by Pinnguaq. It connects underemployed youth with employers who can offer digital work experience and training.
The main goals are:
DS4Y is open to youth who are no longer in school, as long as they meet the eligibility rules.
Your organization can apply if it meets all of these requirements:
Typical roles include digital marketing, software development, data support, design, IT, or other tech jobs.
The youth you hire must:
The program aims to help youth with barriers to steady work, especially in digital fields.
DS4Y offers a mix of wage and training support.
Employers can receive:
The funding is a wage subsidy. You pay the employee first, then get reimbursed based on the program agreement.
Covered costs include:
Before applying, create a job that helps build digital skills. Pinnguaq prefers positions that include learning and growth, not just basic tasks.
You can apply with a candidate you already know or ask Pinnguaq for help finding one. Make sure the youth meets all age, EI, and work eligibility rules.
Apply directly through Pinnguaq’s DS4Y intake process. You will need to provide:
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if DS4Y and other wage subsidy programs fit your business.
If approved, you will sign an agreement that explains:
Do not start the funded position until Pinnguaq confirms your approval.
During the work term, you must:
Wages paid before the funding agreement are usually not eligible.
Roles without clear digital learning goals are often rejected.
Youth receiving Employment Insurance are not eligible for DS4Y.
Late or incomplete reports can delay or reduce reimbursement.
For more tips, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.
Q: Is the Pinnguaq Digital Skills for Youth program a loan or a grant?
It is a wage subsidy grant, not a loan. You do not need to pay back the funding if you meet the program terms.
Q: Do youth need to be students to qualify?
No. Youth do not need to be in school. The program targets underemployed youth aged 15–30 who are not on EI.
Q: Is the DS4Y wage subsidy taxable?
Yes. Wage subsidies are considered government assistance and must be reported as income.
Q: When can DS4Y-funded positions start?
Start dates depend on current intake periods. Positions have been eligible to start from April 1, 2022 onward, subject to approval.
Q: Can not-for-profits apply?
Yes. Not-for-profit organizations with up to 500 employees can apply as employers.
GrantHub tracks many wage subsidy and youth hiring programs across Canada—including DS4Y—so you can see which ones match your hiring plans.
If you plan to hire youth for a digital job, the Pinnguaq Digital Skills for Youth Program can help reduce your staffing and training costs. Before you apply, compare DS4Y with other federal and provincial options, such as those covered in Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences.
GrantHub helps you spot these opportunities early and check eligibility in minutes. This makes it easier to build your team and focus on growth.
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