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Employment support for military & Veterans spouses

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.

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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 Canadian Forces-sponsored support personnel stationed in Europe, as defined by the CAF (e.g., NMR Directive 002/14), and therefore eligible for NATO SOFA status.
    • The applicant is not a diplomatic dependent (e.g., CDA or MPSS dependents).
    • The applicant is a Canadian citizen, does not hold dual citizenship in the country of employment, and does not hold dual citizenship in a non-NATO country.
    • The applicant is enrolled in full-time studies for the current school year and plans to return to full-time studies for the following school year. Enrollment can be in Canada, abroad, or via distance learning.
    • The applicant is between 15 and 21 years old (must be 16 by the start of the work term and can work only up to their 21st birthday).    

  • Note for students in Belgium and the United Kingdom: 

    • Students over 18 and residing in Belgium cannot participate, as this would result in forfeiture of their protocol ID.
    • Students over 18 who are not living in the UK with their parents must hold a valid UK government–issued Visa.

* Please be aware that host nation laws and regulations may impose additional requirements for youth employment (such as visas, work permits, or residency conditions). These requirements vary by country and may affect your dependent’s eligibility for the YEP program. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to verify their dependent’s status and ensure compliance with any local regulations. If these requirements cannot be met, participation in the program may not be possible, even if all other eligibility criteria are satisfied. 

Registration for the 2025–2026 YEP program is now closed. Please check back in September 2026 for updates on future registration opportunities


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

Stories & Tips from YEP Participants

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