Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Youth apprenticeship program sees rising student participation in NL
Newfoundland and Labrador is reporting increased student participation in its Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program and broader interest in skilled trades. The development matters to the province’s construction workforce because it may help introduce more young people to trades careers.
Illustrative photoThe Honourable Paul Dinn, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, is encouraged to see a steady rise in participation in the Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program and overall increased interest in skilled trades in the province.
Over seven weeks, the Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program helps high school students in Grades 10 and 11 gain valuable work experience and apprenticeship hours in skilled trades such as construction electrician, automotive service technician, plumber, welder, cook, heavy equipment technician and truck and transport mechanic.
The program is funded through the Canada-NL Workforce Development Agreement and the Canada-NL Labour Market Development Agreement and is administered by Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2026, 68 employers and 85 youth apprentices successfully participated in the program, and employers who took part have applied for the Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program Extended Subsidy to retain their youth apprentices throughout the fall and winter months.
The Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program is one of the provincial initiatives designed to encourage more youth to consider a career in skilled trades. This September, the department increased opportunities for students to learn trades in high school, including the addition of teaching units at 21 schools to allow flexibility in scheduling so that students have more options to learn about trades.
Employers and students interested in participating in the program in summer 2027 are encouraged to keep checking for application timelines and updates here .
Quotes
“I am excited that the level of interest by our youth in the Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program continues to rise and the positive feedback is encouraging. Our current and future youth apprentices are vital to the development of exciting projects happening in Newfoundland and Labrador. Giving students more exposure to skilled trades will help them take their first steps on a pathway to building a rewarding career in the skilled trades working right here at home.”
Honourable Paul Dinn
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“The Youth Summer Apprenticeship Program is helping young people explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades while giving employers an opportunity to connect with the next generation of talent. The program’s continued success demonstrates the value of hands-on work experience in building skills, confidence and career pathways. By investing in youth today, we are helping strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s workforce for the future, for all of us.”
Honourable Lin Paddock
Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
Republished in full from Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, whose terms permit it. BuildNL did not write this story. How we source news.
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