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Youth Employment Preparation Program

The aim of the Youth Employment Preparation Program is twofold: 1) To facilitate reunification between university students in Canada and Canadian Armed Forces members and support personnel posted in Europe, and 2) To provide university students and OUTCAN High School students with the opportunity to engage in a meaningful work placement that fosters both personal and professional development.

icons showing yep program structure

Student TrainingApplication ProcessWork PlacementEvaluation 
YEP students participate in virtual group training, as well as self-directed training, based on their experience and YEP Program level. All training must be completed in order to move to the next phase of the program.YEP job advertisements are released. Students research the various job opportunities and apply based on their suitability. Panel interviews are conducted, and successful candidates are offered YEP placements. Students participate in a work placement ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. Placement lengths are calculated based on the student’s experience and YEP program level, the annual budget, and the employer’s needs. Evaluation is essential for student and program development. Both YEP students and their supervisors will complete performance and program evaluations at the mid and end point of the placement.


ELIGIBILITY

  • The applicant is a dependent of a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member or of Canadian Forces sponsored support personnel stationed in Europe.
  • The applicant is not a diplomatic dependent (e.g. CDA or MPSS dependents). 
  • The applicant is a Canadian citizen, does not have dual citizenship in the country of employment and does not have dual citizenship in a “non-NATO” country.
  • The applicant is a “dependent” in the view of CAF (e.g. NMR Directive 002/14), therefore eligible for NATO SOFA status.
  • The applicant is between 15-21 years old* (youth MUST be 16 by the start of the work term and can work only up to their 21st birthday). Note: Students over 18 and residing in Belgium are not able to participate in the program, as this would result in the forfeiture of their protocol ID.
  • The applicant is enrolled in full-time studies for the school year 2024-2025 and is planning to return to full-time studies for the school year 2025-2026. The student can be enrolled in full-time studies in Canada, abroad or by distance.

* If you are still unclear about your eligibility for the program, please verify your host nation's regulations on employment. Reach out to your local orderly room or the Canadian Embassy in your host nation.

Application Opens: October 24, 2024
Deadline to Register: November 30, 2024

Student Testimonial

Being a part of the YEP Program has given me a jumpstart of work experience that I wouldn't have been able to achieve otherwise. Not only was I able to work alongside wonderful people that were willing to guide me on my resume and cover letter, but also taught me how to work in a professional environment. I was able to polish skills I had and apply them into a real job setting, which was able to build my confidence and make me feel prepared to enter into any job I would apply for in the future. It's been a fantastic experience to put onto my resume and I have already found that it has allowed me to find how I work in the most efficient way possible and problem solve when I am in a tough spot. 
- Emma Laporte
Second year YEP student

Student Testimonial

The YEP program has been an incredible experience that provided me with valuable professional work exposure. Working remotely with the ROW team, I still felt a strong sense of community and was able to build an amazing relationship with my supervisor. The opportunity to work on various projects and tap into my creativity helped me expand my skills. The team was inclusive, welcoming me into discussions, which made me truly feel like part of the group. I highly recommend the YEP program, as it offers great insight into the professional world and allows for personal growth.
- Julia Lundy,
Second year YEP student

Employer Testimonial

Having a YEP student with us during the summer 2024 was a great opportunity to have extra help while gaining new insights. The YEP student was able to contribute to team efforts to achieve projects within tight deadlines and collaborate with team members.

- Marilayne Froment,
YEP Supervisor