Jobs for Youth Program PEI: How to Apply as an Employer

Hiring summer students can be costly for small businesses and non-profits. Prince Edward Island’s Jobs for Youth Program helps by covering a large portion of student wages during the summer months. The program is open now and is one of PEI’s main youth employment wage subsidies.

What Is the Jobs for Youth Program in PEI?

The Jobs for Youth Program is a provincial wage subsidy that helps PEI employers hire students aged 15 to 29 for summer work. The goal is to create short-term employment while students are out of school and returning in the fall.

Here’s how the funding works:

Non-profit organizations
- Funded at 100% of the provincial minimum wage
- Plus 4% vacation pay
- Up to 40 hours per week
Private sector employers
- Funded at 50% of the provincial minimum wage
- Plus 4% vacation pay
- Up to 40 hours per week

Employers can set a higher wage, but they must pay at least the provincial minimum. The program supports 8 to 12 weeks of summer employment.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Before applying, make sure both your organization and the student meet the eligibility rules.

Eligible employers

You can apply if you are:

A private business operating in PEI
A non-profit organization
A public sector organization

Eligible students

The student you hire must:

Be 15–29 years old
Be a full-time student
Be returning to school in the fall
Work during the summer period only

If the student is not returning to school, the position will not qualify under Jobs for Youth.

How to Apply for the Jobs for Youth Program PEI

The application is employer-led. You apply for funding before or shortly after hiring your student.

Step-by-step application process

Plan your summer position
- Define job duties, start and end dates, and weekly hours.
- Confirm the role fits within the 8–12 week summer window.
Confirm student eligibility
- Verify age and proof they are returning to school in the fall.
Submit the application online
- Apply through PEI’s student employment programs portal
- Applications are reviewed by the province.
Receive approval before claiming wages
- Funding is not guaranteed until approved.
- Hiring before approval may put funding at risk.
Hire and track hours worked
- Keep payroll records and timesheets.
- You’ll need these for reimbursement.

If you want to compare this program to other student wage subsidies, GrantHub offers up-to-date information about active options across Canada.

Funding Amounts and Payment Details

Funding is based on actual hours worked
Maximum of 40 hours per week
Vacation pay is capped at 4%
You must meet all terms and reporting requirements to keep the funding; otherwise, you may have to repay amounts received

Failure to submit accurate payroll records or follow program rules may result in repayment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hiring before approval
Starting work before funding is approved can make the position ineligible.
Not confirming return-to-school status
Students must be returning to school in the fall. Graduates do not qualify.
Over-claiming hours
Claiming more than 40 hours per week or outside the approved dates can trigger repayment.
Assuming full wage coverage as a business
Private sector employers receive only 50% of minimum wage support, not 100%.

For more employer pitfalls, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Jobs for Youth Program in Prince Edward Island?
It’s a provincial wage subsidy that helps employers hire summer students aged 15–29. Funding offsets part or all of the student’s minimum wage during the summer period.

Q: How much funding does the Jobs for Youth Program provide?
Non-profits can receive 100% of the provincial minimum wage plus 4% vacation pay. Private businesses receive 50% of the minimum wage plus 4% vacation pay.

Q: How long can a student work under Jobs for Youth?
Students can work between 8 and 12 weeks during the summer, for up to 40 hours per week.

Q: Do students have to return to school in the fall?
Yes. Students must be returning to school after the summer to qualify under the program.

Q: Can employers pay more than minimum wage?
Yes. Employers can set a higher wage, but the subsidy is calculated only on the provincial minimum wage amount.

GrantHub tracks youth wage subsidy programs across Canada, making it easier to see which ones fit your hiring needs.

You may also find these helpful:

Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada: Key Differences
How to Use Wage Subsidy and Student Hiring Programs to Reduce Staffing Costs

Next Steps

If you plan to hire students this summer, start your Jobs for Youth Program PEI application early. Funding is limited, and approvals are not automatic. Reviewing eligibility and comparing other student wage subsidies through GrantHub can help you choose the best option for your business before the summer rush.

Jobs for Youth Program PEI: How to Apply as an Employer