There are numerous employment programs in Ontario for people under 30. Below, you will find a list of programs with short descriptions and appropriate links that Ontario Government specially prepared to help young people get ready for the job market or start their own business.

Get help finding a youth or student job

Aboriginal Law Summer Program

• For first- and second-year law students
• For students who are currently enrolled in law school
• For students whose foreign-trained credentials are being assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation
• Get experience working on Aboriginal law and policy
• Applications usually close in January or February

Aboriginal Youth Work Exchange Program

• Get an 8-week summer placement with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for up to 3 consecutive summers
• Gain experience in natural resource management, obtain job skills and benefit from personal development
• No set deadline for applications
• Positions posted between the end of March and the end of June and listed online throughout the year
• During the posting period, also look for posted jobs at Ontario.ca/careers, and in places like Band offices and Friendship Centres

Articling Student / Summer Law Program

• For students who are currently enrolled in law school
• For students whose foreign-trained credentials are being assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation
• Article with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
• Opportunities in various Crown Attorney offices across the province and in a variety of other legal offices

Business Plan Wizard

• Design your own business plan online
• Available 24-7, free-of-charge

Employment Ontario Employment Service

• Get help finding training, skills and experience
• We connect you to businesses looking to hire

First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program

• 2-year placements for Aboriginal youth (16-18 years old) in Northern Ontario
• Opportunities to work on forestry and mining projects, receive workplace training and take personal development workshops
• Recruitment: during spring, through Confederation College and in partnership with First Nations communities

Focus On Youth Summer Program

• Get a summer job through your local school board
• You could be eligible if you are at least 16 and registered in high school
• Apply through your local school board

Internship at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

• Up to two 40-week paid placements with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in select fields (e.g. biology, park planning, enforcement, forestry)
• Get work experience in your field, career development training and coaching
• For full-time or recently graduated university and college students (within 5 years)
• New internship opportunities are posted throughout the year as they arise

MaRS Studio 

• 8-month fellowship for young people aged 18-29
• Learn critical skills you need to solve complex 21st-century challenges
• Build networks with peers, mentors, coaches, and leaders
• Pursue your innovative ideas for bold change in society
• Work on real-world challenges with partners from across sectors

Ontario Disability Support Program Employment Supports

• For people with disabilities
• Become employment-ready
• Get help to find a job, advance your career or start your own business

Ontario Global Edge Program

• For full-time post-secondary students aged 19 to 29 who have interest or experience in entrepreneurship
• Learn about entrepreneurship and the role of small and medium-sized businesses in a global economy
• Get a work placement in a small- or medium-sized business outside of Canada
• Get up to $4,000 to support the costs associated with the work placement
• Apply through your participating post-secondary institution

Ontario Internship Program

• A paid internship program with the Ontario Public Service for individuals recently graduated with a degree, diploma or a post-graduate certificate
• Gain invaluable work experience as you explore career opportunities in the public service
• Choose to work in Information and Information Technology, Program Service Delivery, Business and Financial Planning, Human Resources, Communications, Labour Relations or Policy Development
• Apply online in January

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (grades 11 and 12)

• Get a co-op placement in a skilled trade (e.g. electrical, hair styling)
• Opportunities available to become a registered apprentice
• To apply, speak to a Guidance, Cooperative Education or Technological Education teacher at your school

SmartStart Seed Fund

• A funding and support program for technology or innovation-based Ontario entrepreneurs aged 18 to 29
• 1:1 matching financing required from at least one other source
• If you obtain matched financing, you may get an additional $5,000 for entrepreneurship skills training and business support services (no matching funds required)

Starter Company Program

• An entrepreneurship program for Ontario people aged 18 to 29
• Applicants must not be attending school full time
• Get guidance, mentoring, business expertise and funding to start, grow, or buy a small business
• To qualify for funding of up to $5,000, you need to be able to contribute at least 25 per cent (in cash or in-kind) of the grant amount

Stewardship Youth Ranger Program (Rangers)

• In 2015, open to those born in 1998 (16 or 17 years old at time of hire but not turning 18 before December 31, 2015)
• Work outdoors on natural resources projects in your own community (e.g. create wildlife habitat, study species at risk)
• Get training and education (e.g., First Aid, species identification)
• May earn two high school co-op credits
• Duration: 8 weeks

Stewardship Youth Ranger Program (Team Leads)

• Apply to lead rangers with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry during the summer
• Work includes strenuous tasks outdoors, often over rough terrain and in adverse weather conditions
• Positions are posted on Ontario.ca/careers as they become available between February and April. Deadlines vary.

Strategic Community Entrepreneurship Projects

• An entrepreneurship program for young Ontarians aged 15 to 29
• Get training, support, resources and money to start your own business
• Applicants must not be eligible for other self-employment programs, such as the Ontario Self-Employment Benefit

Summer Company

• Entrepreneurship program for students aged 15-29
• Get $1,500 in start-up money to kick-off a new summer business
• Up to an additional $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements
• Receive advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running

TalentEdge Internship and Fellowship Program

• Four-month paid internships for Ontario students currently in college or university (graduate or undergraduate), or who graduated within the last three years
• Up to two 12-month paid fellowships available to Ontario residents with a doctoral degree
• Opportunities to work on a collaborative, industry-driven research, development and commercialization project in your discipline or area of specialization

Young Entrepreneurs Make Your Pitch (grades 9 to 12)

• Pitch your business idea in a two-minute video to the public and expert judges
• Finalists present their idea at the Ontario Centres of Excellence’s Discovery conference where they will receive pitch preparation training and a certificate of achievement
• Winners receive a reserved place in the Summer Company program and other prizes

Youth Business Acceleration Program

• A program to support young people aged 18 to 29 as technology entrepreneurs or to work with technology entrepreneurs
• Get access to mentorship and advice from business experts to start and grow a technology company
• Access valuable market intelligence
• Get up to $5,000 to fund business development projects
• Get up to $15,000 to fund a young business professional in your technology business

Youth in Policing Initiative

• Get a 6-8 week summer or after-school job with a local police service
• Gain experience through diverse work assignments
• Examples could include community policing, forensics, traffic services
• For residents in select communities only: contact your local police department to see if they offer the program

Youth Skills Connections

• A training and employment program for young unemployed or underemployed Ontarians aged 15 to 29
• Gain the skills and hands-on experience today’s employers are looking for
• Potential for long-term employment

Sources: The Government of Canada, The Government of Ontario