FIRST NATIONS AND INUIT YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Transcription

1 FIRST NATIONS AND INUIT YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM PROGRAM GUIDELINES First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association Suite Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2 T: (640) F: (604)

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Objectives Outcomes Activities Eligibility Requirements Eligible Recipients Eligible Participants Proposal Assessment Criteria Review and Approval Process Eligible Expenditures Ineligible Expenditures Maximum Program Contribution Monitoring and Accountability Reporting Requirements Contact Information... 6 FNESC & FNSA Summer Work Experience Program Page 2

3 1. Introduction The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) are pleased to manage the Aboriginal and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) in the BC region. SWEP is one of two programs included under the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES). 2. Objectives SWEP is intended to assist First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students: acquire skills by providing wage subsidies for summer work experience; prepare for future entry into the labour market by enabling them to obtain employment experience; and acquire employability skills to support them in financing and furthering their education, and access career and labour market information and assistance in finding summer or shortterm employment. 3. Outcomes Expected key outcomes/results of the SWEP are increased appreciation for the benefits of education and enhanced employability skills for participating youth. 4. Activities All activities will support work experience opportunities during the summer months. 5. Eligibility Requirements 5.1 Eligible Recipients Eligible recipients are First Nations communities in BC. Eligible recipients may enter into agreements with private sector and non-profit sector employers to provide employment opportunities for youth. 5.2 Eligible Participants Eligible participants are First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students aged 15 to 30 years old ordinarily resident on reserve or in recognized communities or on community lands, who were registered as full-time students during the preceding academic year and who intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year. FNESC & FNSA Summer Work Experience Program Page 3

4 6. Proposal Assessment Criteria FNESC will issue each First Nation community a SWEP allocation letter stating the specific funding amount to be provided, which is determined using a base amount plus per capita formula. Allocation letters will be distributed by mail and fax to each First Nation community. First Nations communities are expected to use the funding amount outlined in their SWEP Allocation letter to determine how many youth to hire. Applications must be consistent with each specific community funding allocation. First Nations must submit detailed applications describing the activities to be undertaken and stating how the proposed activities will further the program objectives and expected results. Eligible applications must: Be consistent with these program guidelines; Be gender-balanced; Outline the activities that support any or all of the program objectives; Demonstrate that the activities will provide assistance to eligible participants; Provide an estimate of eligible costs to be incurred, including costs to be covered by program partners; and Outline the results to be achieved. Note: Each placement must provide a minimum of 80 hours of work. All proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria. The extent to which the application addresses one or more of the program objectives. The degree to which the plan, including specific project activities, timeframe and budget, will achieve the expected outcomes. Only complete proposals will be considered. The SWEP application template is available at 7. Review and Approval Process The SWEP application deadline is no later than Friday, June 19, FNESC/FNSA will review all applications and a written response will be sent to all applicants. 8. Eligible Expenditures Each recipient will determine the wage rate for participants. It must be at or above the provincial minimum wage of $10.25 per hour. FNESC & FNSA Summer Work Experience Program Page 4

5 Eligible expenditures for SWEP include the following. Participant wages and mandatory employment-related costs, including the gross employee share of CPP, EI, vacation pay, WCB and, where applicable, health insurance premiums, wage costs per participant that meet or exceed the minimum wage. Other necessary costs directly related to a work placement including (but not limited to): criminal record check, required uniforms, personal safety gear (e.g. work boots, safety hats) up to a maximum of $300 per participant. Actual costs for special equipment and facilities to accommodate the needs of a disabled individual, up to a maximum of $3,000, if applicable. Administrative costs, which are not to exceed 10% of the sub-total amount before administration costs. Eligible administration costs include (but are not limited to): o office/general expenses; o materials; o supplies; o advertising; o communication and printing costs; and o professional services. 9. Ineligible Expenditures Infrastructure or equipment purchases (e.g. computers and software); and Capital costs for construction of a building (other than small repairs or renovations to support the participation of persons with disabilities) or the purchase of land or buildings. 10. Maximum Program Contribution The initiative is regionally based and application-driven. Employers in the non-profit sector are eligible to receive a contribution of up to 100% of the applicable wage, plus mandatory employment related costs (MERC). Private sector employers are eligible to receive up to 50% of the applicable wage. Note: Where a participant with disabilities is hired, all employers are eligible for 100% of the wage expenses. A maximum contribution of $3,000 per participant may be available, on an actual cost basis, for special equipment and facilities to accommodate a disabled student s needs. 11. Monitoring and Accountability FNESC is available to answer questions and provide guidance related to AANDC programs and funding. FNESC & FNSA Summer Work Experience Program Page 5

6 To ensure that program terms and conditions and funding criteria are being met, that funds expended on the intended purpose, and that AANDC s accountability to Parliament is being met, in-office and on-site monitoring and compliance activities will be conducted with all recipients. 12. Reporting Requirements The SWEP final report must be submitted to FNESC no later than Friday, September 11, The reporting requirements will be listed in the recipient s funding arrangement. 13. Contact Information For further information, please visit: If you have any questions, feel free to contact Derek Payne, Programs Manager by derekp@fnesc.ca or toll free: or local: (604) FNESC & FNSA Summer Work Experience Program Page 6