Clean Energy Career Training Program for Indigenous Youth

ICE is the national hub advancing Indigenous and broader sustainable and inclusive prosperity by amplifying First Nations, Inuit, and Métis clean energy participation in every region of Canada.

In May of 2021 we launched Generation Power, a clean energy and career training program developed by and for Indigenous Youth. This year, we are looking to engage 20 Indigenous youth and 20 organizations in the clean energy sector, from coast to coast to be part of the second Generation Power cohort.

Here is where Generation Power comes into action. The program recognizes Indigenous youth as critical players in the transition to clean energy. It aims to empower youth to bring Indigenous communities to the forefront of the climate change movement.

Through a holistic, strength-based approach that supports both Indigenous learners and clean energy employers, we expect youth participants to actively engage in program activities and bring the skills and knowledge they gain to advance their careers in the clean energy sector

We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds and experiences— including young professionals, community advocates, academics, and people working at a grass-roots community level.

For youth applicants:

To qualify, youth must self-identify as a First Nation, Métis, or Inuit youth (18 to 30) and be eligible to work in Canada. Those selected for the program will need to commit for 12 months, and over the year-long program, participate in:

• One week-long Cultural Land Camp ~ January 23-27, 2023.

• Coaching and mentoring sessions (virtual).

• Six "Energy Education" modules with five webinar sessions (time commitment of 8-15 hours per month).

• Twelve monthly meetings with cohort (virtual).

• One 4–12-month internship opportunity in the clean energy economy (optional).

• Completion Ceremony ~ (dates to be determined).

For employer applicants:

Through Generation Power, employer participants have the opportunity to support Indigenous youth by taking online workplace equity training. Those selected for the program will need to commit for 12 months, and over the year-long program, participate in:

• One week-long Cultural Land Camp: January 23-27, 2023.

• Employer Equity Online Training: Sept 2022 - Mar 2023 (virtual).

• Completion Ceremony (dates to be determined).

By joining our program, employers develop the capacity to lead and contribute to more equitable and culturally aware workplaces. As an employer, we invite you to participate in our Energy Equity Training. There are no costs required, however, we are encouraging employers to donate to our Indigenous Youth Clean Energy Project Endowment Fund. The donation amount is at the discretion of the employer.

Additionally, if you hire Indigenous youth for a minimum 4-month internship, you are eligible to receive an 80% wage subsidy up to $32,000.

Using a capacity-focused approach, ICE aims to disrupt the traditional criteria and assessments often associated with capacity-building programs. The program seeks to leverage these capacities, enhance existing skills, and take a co-creative approach that will result in a unique experience across cohorts.

This program is open to Indigenous youth and employers interested in the future of clean energy.

There is no cost to apply or participate in the Generation Power program for participants.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at genpower@indigenouscleanenergy.com.

Click here:  https://www.generationpower.ca/get-involved to find our application.

*Deadline to apply is June 24, 2022.