APPLY NOW!
Applications for the 2024 Building Futures for Youth program are NOW OPEN!
Please click here to complete the application form.
Students
Building Futures for Youth is a competitive summer co-op program for returning high school students. Successful applicants are trained with industry-specific safety courses and matched with a local company for paid summer employment. At the same time, students have the support of a supervising teacher and are earning credits toward their education. Students are also learning about the apprenticeship model and earning credit towards a future apprenticeship, should they choose to pursue a career in the trades.
The BFY program is designed primarily for students enrolled in Options and Opportunities (O2) and Co-Operative Education courses that focus on construction/trade/technology and community-based learning courses. Students not currently enrolled in co-op must be committed and able to complete a 25-hour in-class component. Speak to your teacher for more information.
APPLY NOW!
Applications for the 2024 Building Futures for Youth Program are NOW OPEN. Please click here to access the application form.
Building Futures for Youth – Learn More
Check out these promotional videos that will help you understand more about the Building Futures for Youth program, career and industry opportunities available to you, and how to apply.
Program Overview & Benefits
Learn more about the BFY program and its benefits, including what the program will provide you with to be successful, and what you’ll receive as you explore your career in construction. You’ll also hear from two past alumni about their experiences with the program, their work placement, and where they are now.
Career & Industry Exploration
Learn more about the types of construction careers you can pursue and industry opportunities available to you; designated trades and steps to becoming a registered apprentice; and hear from a past BFY host employer about how the program can help you on your career journey.
Application Process
Learn about the BFY program application stages, eligibility requirements, how to apply, interview and information sessions, and the safety training you’ll receive. You’ll also hear from a past BFY alum about why she applied to the program and pursuing her future career in construction.
Program Overview & Benefits (French)
Apprenez-en davantage sur Bâtir un avenir pour les jeunes, y compris des informations sur le programme et ses avantages, ce que vous recevrez en explorant votre carrière dans la construction et écoutez les anciens anciens élèves parler de leur expérience.
Career & Industry Exploration (French)
Apprenez-en davantage sur Bâtir un avenir pour les jeunes, y compris les types de carrières dans la construction que vous pouvez poursuivre et les opportunités du secteur qui vous sont offertes. Vous en apprendrez également sur les métiers désignés, les étapes à suivre pour devenir apprenti inscrit et entendrez un ancien employeur hôte du BFY vous expliquer comment le programme peut vous aider dans votre cheminement de carrière.
Application Process (French)
Apprenez-en davantage sur le programme Bâtir un avenir pour les jeunes, y compris les étapes de la demande, les conditions d’éligibilité, la procédure de candidature, les séances d’entretien et d’information, ainsi que la formation en matière de sécurité que vous recevrez. Vous entendrez également un ancien diplômé de BFY expliquer pourquoi elle a postulé au programme et poursuit sa future carrière dans la construction.
Students – What’s in it for you?
- 200 hours of PAID work experience in the construction industry
- Earn up to three full high school co-operative credits
- Register as a construction trades pre-apprentice and earn up to 300 hours with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
- Safety gear and training provided at no cost to you
- NSCC scholarship opportunities for alumni
- Helpful feedback on your resume and interview skills from industry professionals
- The chance to make lasting connections with local construction companies
- Gain valuable knowledge to help make informed decisions about your future career
1. Eligibility
Are you eligible?
Open to students in grades 10 & 11
Must be 16 years of age by May 1st
Must have a valid SIN and be legally able to work
Should be registered in co-op or O2 (must be able to complete a 25-hour in-school pre-placement component)
2. Before you apply
A few things to keep in mind before you apply.
Your summer work placement will give you a chance to experience working in the industry. Take some time to consider what work you’d be interested in committing your time to this summer.
When you apply, you’ll also need to tell us the types of construction careers you’re interested in. It’s ok to have an open mind and be interested in several different careers, but you need to be able to select at least one. Learn more about exciting careers in construction!
3. What Now?
What to expect after you apply.
Your application lets us know that you’re interested; now comes your chance to impress us. If you would like the opportunity to interview for a spot in our program, we require some more work on your part.
- Just like applying for a job, we want you to send us your resume and cover letter. Be sure to personalize it for the BFY program. We want your cover letter and resume saved as a single word document or PDF. Check out our Resources for more hints on preparing an entry-level resume HERE.
- As part of the co-op program, we will require you to submit a completed Community Reference Form (also available in French) and the Teacher Reference Form (also available in French). You can check with your co-op teacher for more information on these forms.
- Once you have your completed resume & cover letter (combined into one document), then submit them by email to the BFY Team. Students in CSAP, SRCE or CBVRCE will submit their documents to Tanya Reddick at treddick@cans.ns.ca, and students in HRCE, AVRCE, CCRCE, SSRCE, or TCRCE will submit their documents to Adam Gilbert at agilbert@cans.ns.ca. This information is due before the Christmas break. Before February, you will also send your completed reference forms to our BFY Team, based on your location as indicated above. If you have any questions, contact our BFY team, or check with your teacher.
Interviews typically take place from February through March. Check HERE for hints on how to prepare for an Interview.
If accepted into the program, you will attend a Mandatory Family Information session in April, NSCC Safety training in May/June, and be ready to work by July for 200 hours through the summer.
Building Futures for Youth – Family Information Session
Check out Building Futures for Youth and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency’s virtual family information sessions videos below.
Building Futures for Youth
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Still Have Questions About The BFY Program?
Fill Out The Form Below And We’ll Get Back To You ASAP.