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 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 complete a 25-hour in-class component. Speak to your teacher for more information.

Applications for the 2025 Building Futures for Youth Program are now closed.

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.

What’s in it for the student?

  • Receive feedback on their resume and interview skills from industry professionals
  • Earn up to 3 high school credits
  • Register as a construction trades pre-apprentice and earn up to 300 hours with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, that will transfer toward a formal apprenticeship
  • Gain 5-7 weeks of paid work experience
  • Complete safety training and certification specific to the construction industry
  • Access NSCC scholarship opportunities
  • Build lasting connections with local companies
  • Gain valuable knowledge to make more informed career decisions

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)

3. What Now?

What to expect after you apply.

Thanks for submitting your application! Now it’s time to take the next step and show us why you’re a great fit for the Building Futures for Youth program.

  1. Resume & Cover Letter
    • Create a resume and cover letter that highlight your interest in the BFY program.
    • Make sure your documents are personalized and professional.
    • Save both as one Word or PDF file.
    • Need help? Visit our Resources page for tips on writing a strong entry-level resume and cover letter.
  2. Reference Forms
  3. How to Submit
    • Email your combined resume and cover letter to the BFY Team.
      • If you’re in CSAP, SRCE, or CBVRCE, send it to Tanya Reddick Clayton at treddick@cans.ns.ca
      • If you’re in HRCE, AVRCE, CCRCE, SSRCE, or TCRCE, send it to Barb Minard at bminard@cans.ns.ca
    • Submit your resume and cover letter before the Christmas break.
    • Reference forms should be submitted before February to the same contact based on your region.

What Happens After You Apply

  • Interviews take place between February and March.
  • Check out our Interview Prep Guide to help you get ready.

If you’re accepted:

  • Attend a mandatory Family Information Session in April.
  • Complete NSCC safety training in May/June.
  • Be ready to work 200 hours during July and August.

If you have questions at any point, reach out to the BFY Team or talk to your co-op teacher.

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?

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