Housing Internship for Indigenous Youth (HIIY) (formerly Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth)

Applicants/employers must be:
1. Indigenous governments and affiliated organizations (including Band Councils, Tribal Councils, self-government entities);
2. Indigenous organizations in the public or not-for-profit sector;
3. Indigenous businesses in the for-profit sector;
4. Non-Indigenous employers in the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors seeking to employ Indigenous youth.

As a program sponsor, the applicant/employer must:
1. Have the time and staff resources available to provide:
a) On-the-job training;
b) Coaching and mentoring;
c) Support for relevant training & skills development;
d) Have the willingness to provide financial and/ or social supports to help youth trainees overcome barriers to a successful internship experience (for instance, by covering travel or accommodation costs).
e) Cover the cost of administration related to the youth trainee position. Some examples of costs include supervisor’s time, use of office space and equipment, and provision of tools, technology and safety equipment required by the position.
f) Hire the trainee for a minimum of 8 weeks, up to a maximum of 2 years (Approval of year 2 of the internship is subject to available funding).

Interns must:
1. be Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 30 inclusive;
2. not be receiving Employment Insurance while they participate in the HIIY program. If they are already receiving Employment Insurance benefits, they must agree to discontinue them before starting the internship.
3. not be employed elsewhere during the internship.