Job Title:
Barrier Breakers Youth Program Participant (Ages 15–30)
Employer:
Black Business Initiative (BBI)
Location:
Rural Communities Across the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador)
Virtual Cohort – Remote Participation
Employment Type:
Temporary | Full-Time | Paid Virtual Placement
Program Start Date:
September 1st, 2025
In collaboration with the Government of Canada, the Black Business Initiative (BBI) is proud to offer an exciting virtual paid opportunity for youth in rural communities across the Maritimes.
The Barrier Breakers Youth Program is designed to support young people who are facing challenges in accessing employment or education. If you are between 15 and 30, live in a rural area, and are looking to gain valuable job skills, remote work experience, and career support—all from the comfort of your home—this program is for you.
Special Focus: Tech & Innovation
This cohort will emphasize technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Gain exposure to careers in the tech sector
- Learn digital tools and platforms that support modern business operations
- Build skills to work in and with startups, incubators, and small businesses
- Understand what it takes to launch or support a business idea
Whether you're curious about coding, digital marketing, tech-enabled services, or simply want to support entrepreneurial ecosystems—this program will introduce you to the skills and networks that can help you thrive in today’s economy.
What You’ll Gain:
- 4 weeks of paid, virtual job readiness training focused on communication, digital literacy, workplace etiquette, and professional development
- A 16-week paid full-time virtual work placement with an employer based in Atlantic Canada
- Remote work schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday, during both training and placement phases
- One-on-one virtual coaching and support from a dedicated team
- Resume building, interview prep, and career planning guidance
- Opportunities to connect with employers and explore long-term employment or education pathways
Eligibility:
- Must be between 15 and 30 years old at the time of intake
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
- Must reside in a rural community within one of the Maritime provinces
This program is designed to support youth who may be facing barriers to employment or education. These could include (but are not limited to):
- Limited work experience
- Gaps in employment
- Lack of access to transportation or childcare
- Newcomer to Canada
- Limited access to education or training opportunities
We welcome and encourage applications from youth of all backgrounds and lived experiences. A confidential assessment will be conducted as part of the onboarding process.
Wage:
Participants will be paid hourly during both the training and placement phases.
Delivery Format:
Entirely virtual – both training and most placements will be conducted remotely, making it accessible for youth in remote and rural areas.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume through this posting.
Take the next step in your journey. Gain experience. Build your future.
This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and delivered by the Black Business Initiative. We are committed to equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Application question(s):
- Please note that the program requires full-time availability over a 20-week period. If you are planning to return to school in the fall, this opportunity may not align well with your academic schedule and may present challenges in meeting program commitments.
Work Location: Remote
Application deadline: 2025-08-15