The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) jointly manage the Department of Indigenous Services Canada (DISC) 2020-2021 First Nations & Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Co-operative Education Program for First Nations schools. The Co-op Program activities are for students in grades 7 to 12 who are enrolled in and attending a First Nations school and who are ordinarily resident on reserve.
Please note: As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, FNESC is committed to continuing supports for First Nations and to adapt program delivery approaches to reflect the current situation. Please consult the COVID-19 Recommendations & Support in the program guidelines for more information to assist in the proposal process during these unprecedented times.
Please submit the Final Reports by March 25, 2022 by fax to 604-925-6097, or by email to programs@fnesc.ca or the contact provided in the report form.
Program Resources
Objectives
The program has the following objectives:
- to promote the benefits of education as key to labour market participation
- to support the development and enhancement of essential employability skills among First Nations youth such as communication skills, problem solving and working with others
- to introduce youth to a variety of career options
- to support the provision of mentored school-based work and study opportunities such as co-operative education and internships
- to help First Nation youth overcome barriers to employment
Expected Results
Key expected results of the Co-op are:
- enhanced employability skills for participating First Nations youth
- increased awareness of the benefits of education
- enhanced ability to make employment-related decisions
- improved attitudes toward the transition from school to work
- increased ability of First Nations youth to participate in the labour market
Activities
The key activities of Co-op are:
- training experiences that support youth in acquiring skills needed for work placements
- career development information, including awareness and support activities like career fairs and leadership projects
- career planning and counselling activities
Program Support
See full details in the Program Guidelines or contact us at 604-925-6087 programs@fnesc.ca if you have any questions.