The Manitoba government is investing $1.1 million to support six projects that provide youth with the opportunity to gain their first job experience, helping them build the confidence and skills needed for future success, according to a media release.
Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses said today, “Young Manitobans deserve the opportunity to get the knowledge, skills and experience they need to secure good jobs in their home communities where they can play a role in shaping a bright future for their friends and family. The First Jobs Fund drives opportunity by helping young people overcome barriers, gain meaningful workplace experience and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive economy.”
The First Jobs Fund supports registered non-profit or non-government organizations to implement programming for youth aged 15 to 29 facing barriers to employment, up to a maximum of $225,000 per organization.
Following the 2024-25 intake, six organizations were selected to receive funding:
- Urban Transition Centre – $225,000 to support its 17-week pre-apprenticeship program in heat and frost insulating for up to 16 Indigenous youth;
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) – $94,857 to assist four newcomer youth gain jobs and develop work experience through its Youth Employment Program;
- Manitoba Aviation Council – $176,173 to support its Intro to Northern Aviation Operations Program for 26 northern youth residing in urban and remote northern communities;
- Manitoba Aviation Council – $224,708 to support its Aviation Pilot Career Pathway Program that provides 13 youth a full ground-to-sky experience focusing on basic skills development, aviation operations training, a work placement and flight experiences. Eight participants will graduate with a private pilot’s licence, marking the first step toward becoming a pilot;
- Tech Manitoba – $108,771 to support eight Indigenous and newcomer students at University College of the North enrolled in a five-month IT support technician program and female Indigenous students enrolled in the Information Technology Readiness North program; and
- Dexterra Community Initiatives – $222,092 to support its Outland Youth Employment program that provides education, training and work opportunities to 29 Indigenous youth through a six-week land-based summer program.
The fund prioritizes projects that support innovative programming targeted at youth facing barriers to employment, offer paid work experience and provide skills and experiences in key economic sectors and for in-demand jobs, said the minister.
For more information on the First Jobs Fund, visit: Province of Manitoba | wd – First Jobs Fund
