SIGN IN | FRANÇAIS

 

Information for youth applicants

The Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is pleased to deliver the Young Canada Works (YCW) program offering summer jobs and internships, a shared initiative with the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Young Canada Works aims to provide quality work experience that students and recent graduates can build on. Both YCWHO and YCWBCH provide carefully selected positions that will help youth gain the skills required to excel in today’s job market.

Program updates

The 2020 YCWHO program has been launched! Employers have begun recruiting, and job posters can be found on the YCW website. Check back regularly as new opportunities continue to be posted.

The 2020 YCWBCH program has been launched! Employers have begun recruiting, and job posters can be found on the YCW website. Check back regularly as new opportunities continue to be posted.

Program

YCW in Heritage Organizations (YCW-HO)

YCW at Building Careers in Heritage (YCWBCH)

What is the duration of positions?
  • 6 to 16 weeks
  • 30 to 40 hours per week
  • Part-time employment is permitted for candidates with a disability
  • Positions must be scheduled during the summer, generally May to early September
  • 4 to 12 months in Canada,  6 to 12 months for international projects
  • 30 to 40 hours per week
  • Part-time employment is permitted for candidates with a disability.
  • The entire internship must be scheduled within the Government of Canada’s fiscal year (April 1 to March 31)
Am I eligible to apply?

Summer positions are for full-time students who are intending to return to full-time studies in the next semester.

You are eligible if you:

  • are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada; Note: Non-Canadian students holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible.
  • are legally entitled to work in Canada;
  • are between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
  • are registered in the YCW on-line candidate inventory;
  • are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
  • do not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with YCW;
  • have been a full-time student (as defined by your educational institution) in the semester preceding the YCW job;
  • intend to return to full-time studies in the semester following the YCW job.

Students with a disability are eligible for part-time work.


Internships are for post-secondary graduates.

You are eligible if you:

  • are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada; Note: Non-Canadian students holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible.
  • are legally entitled to work in Canada;
  • are between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
  • are registered in the YCW on-line candidate inventory;
  • are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
  • do not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week**) while employed with YCW;
  • are an unemployed or underemployed college or university graduate, that is, not employed full-time;
  • are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with YCW;
  • must not have previously participated in or been paid under this or any other Career Focus internship program funded under the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and skills Strategy.

Interns with a disability are eligible for part-time work in Canada.
How do I register on the YCW website?

All youth applicants must create an online profile at young-canada-works.canada.ca.

Once registered, youth will be able to apply to vacant positions using their account. Please note that some employers may request an alternate application method, and candidates are advised to read the job poster carefully before applying.
Where are the jobs located?

The program creates summer jobs in museums and related organizations of all sizes, Canada-wide.

Youth who must relocate more than 125 km from their permanent residence may be eligible for transportation assistance.

Most of the internships are located in Canada. Some placements may require the intern to complete a portion of the internship abroad. When job descriptions are posted, the work location of the position will be specified.

Youth who must relocate more than 125 km from their permanent residence may be eligible for transportation assistance.
How much do the jobs pay? Wages are competitive for region of employment.

Wages are competitive for the region of employment.

For interns working on international projects, they will earn wages while in Canada and receive a living stipend while abroad.
Type of positions The CMA supports jobs that build upon the many functions of a museum, such as:
  • Collections Management;
  • Curatorial Research;
  • Conservation, Preservation;
  • Education, Interpretation, Public Programming; and
  • Museum Administration and Marketing.
When will job posters be available online and how do I view them?

Job posters for YCWHO (summer jobs for students) and YCWBCH (internships for recent graduates) are typically posted in April. Click here to access the current postings. Remember to check back frequently, as new postings may be added.

Please note that employers may use alternate methods to recruit, including posting on the CMA job board, posting on their local job boards, or advertising on their own website. The CMA encourages youth applicants to start their job search early.
How are youth participants selected?

Approved employers are responsible for conducting their own recruitment.

Employers are expected to recruit for approved positions through a fair and balanced selection process (i.e. open competitions and unbiased adjudication of eligible candidates), and respond to youth applicants in a timely manner.
If I’m selected, what reports and paperwork will I need to complete?

Beyond the expected requirements of any job, YCW requires youth participants to complete short reports both at the beginning and end of the work term. Your employer will let you know when it’s time to complete your reports.
Are there other youth programs besides YCW?

Yes. Please refer to the Government of Canada’s Youth Website or Youth Info Line (1 800 935-5555) for more information on employment programs and youth services.
I already participated with YCW; can I apply for another position?

There is no restriction for repeat participation for summer jobs. You may re-apply, however the employer may give preference to a candidate who has not already had a YCW experience.

Due to the limited number of internships, youth participants are normally allowed a maximum of one Youth Employment and Skills Strategy internship.
Did you participate? Was your YCW project a success? 

CMA welcomes your success stories! Please tell us about your experience. Please click here for more information.

To read past success stories, please click here.

 

Thank you to our supporters

This program is made possible by the Government of Canada.

Canada wordmark