What's in It for an Intern?

What is It?

The Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program (FPSYIP) can provide you with a paid internship from 6 to 10 months within the federal government. This Program gives you the tools to break the vicious cycle of "no job, no experience; no experience, no job". During your internship, you'll be paired with a mentor who will act as your guide and advisor.

These internships are offered across Canada in a wide variety of fields such as agriculture, arts, administration and environment. There are opportunities available to suit your interests and career goals. Interns hired under this Program are placed within the federal government but they are not federal employees.

You can get real work experience and develop your employability skills!

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program, you must be:

• between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive);
• in need of assistance to overcome employment barriers;
• a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident;
• out of school;
• not have previously participated in the Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program or another internship program under the federal government's Youth Employment Strategy;
• legally entitled to work according to relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations; and
• not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

Don't forget that no experience is needed!

Some host organizations may require that you meet the security requirements of the Government of Canada. This means that you must qualify for and maintain such security clearance during your internship.

How long is the internship? Will I get paid? What do I have to do?

The pay, the length of the internships and the application procedures vary according to your level of education. Check out the following categories:

Category 1:

• I don't have a high school diploma: your internship will be 10 months in length and you'll receive the equivalent of the minimum wage in effect in the province where your internship takes place (before taxes). You'll also receive support from a YMCA counsellor and preparatory training.
• I have a high school diploma: your internship will be 6 months in length and the stipend is $902 bi-weekly less statutory deductions. You'll also receive YMCA assessment services and visits from a YMCA counsellor.

Your next step: If you have OR do not have a high school diploma:

1. Visit the Jobbank.gc.ca Website. Click on Job Search, select your province and type in FPSYIP in the keyword search field.
2. You didn't find what you were looking for? Then you can call the YMCA toll free at 1 800 495-8775 or if you live in Quebec dial 1 888 821-3148 for more information on the internships available in your region.

Category 2:

• I have completed a post-secondary degree: your internship will be 6 months in length and your stipend is $984 bi-weekly less statutory deductions. Please note that proof of your post-secondary diploma or degree is required to participate in the Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program.

Your next step:

If you are a college or university graduate, view the postings on the Internship Opportunities page.

*Please note that the YMCA is the legal employer of all interns and therefore pays the youth directly for the duration of the internship.

More Information

Still not convinced that this program offers you great work experience? Check out what past interns are saying about it.

Curious about other opportunities available? Visit Youth.gc.ca for more information.

Break the cycle "no job, no experience; no experience, no job".