Youth apprenticeship program sees growing participation in Newfoundland and Labrador

Participation in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program continues to grow, with 85 high school students and 68 employers taking part in 2026.

The seven-week program gives students in Grades 10 and 11 the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience and apprenticeship hours in skilled trades.

Participating trades include construction electrician, automotive service technician, plumber, welder, cook, heavy equipment technician, and truck and transport mechanic.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Paul Dinn says the growing participation reflects increased interest among young people in skilled trades.

Employers who participated in the 2026 program have also applied for an extended subsidy to help retain their youth apprentices through the fall and winter months.

The program is funded through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement. Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador administers the initiative.

The province is also expanding opportunities for students to explore skilled trades in high school. In September, the department added teaching units at 21 schools to provide more flexibility in scheduling and give students additional opportunities to learn about trades.

Employers and students interested in participating in the summer 2027 program are encouraged to watch for application dates and updates.