ICTC Digital Youth Ambassadors
ICTC is looking for 13 young leaders from across Canada to serve as Digital Youth Ambassadors and help shape how our research and programs support young people entering today’s digital job market.
ICTC is a national non-profit with the mission of strengthening Canada's digital advantage in the global economy. Our work is committed to ensuring that Canada’s diverse workforce is skilled and ready for future opportunities. With shifting international trade policy and the emergence of advanced technologies transforming the digital workforce, such as AI, there’s ever-growing pressure on Canadian workers to adapt, especially young Canadians.
The Digital Youth Ambassadors will represent the insights of their generation, communities, and experiences from across the country. Over 12 months, they’ll provide insights that will inform how ICTC can continue innovating our programs to meet the needs of young people across Canada and the organizations hiring them.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be 18-29 years old, living in Canada, and either 3+ years into your post-secondary studies or have graduated within the last 5 years from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution. You must be willing and able to commit to serving as a Digital Youth Ambassador for a twelve-month term. Current part or full-time federal government employees are ineligible to serve as Ambassadors.
What’s in it for you?
- Six (6) virtual meetings with ICTC staff over 12 months to provide input on our program design, materials, and supports – and how they meet the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds across the country.
- All-expenses-paid trip to Ottawa for your first meeting, and an event where you’ll network with employers, engage with government stakeholders, and meet with decision-makers to help shape the future of Canada’s youth agenda.
- A monetary honorarium to recognize your contributions and time during meetings.
- Exclusive invitations to ICTC’s suite of nationwide events that bring together diverse networks to discuss emerging and advanced technologies.
- A chance to become a leading voice on behalf of the next generation of Canadian leaders, shaping a more equitable and prosperous digital economy for Canada’s youth, and influencing policies and programs that drive inclusive growth.
Who is a good fit to be an Ambassador?
We don’t expect all applicants to tick every box. Across the group, we’re looking for a balance of individuals at different stages of completing their education, entering the job market, or becoming entrepreneurs. This includes people living urban, rural, and remote communities and people from equity-deserving groups, such as Indigenous youth, racialized youth, newcomers, women and gender-diverse. Ideally, you’re studying, working or interested in digitally intensive fields such as AI, cybersecurity, clean tech, creative technology, or advanced manufacturing.
Most important is that you care about your peers entering today’s job market with confidence to access opportunities and advance their careers – and that you have ideas and opinions on how that can be strengthened!
Anything else I need to know?
Ambassadors will be asked to abide by a Code of Conduct that aligns with ICTC’s TRUST values and ethics. At your first meeting in Ottawa, you’ll collaborate with ICTC staff and your peers to develop your Terms of Reference, which will guide how you work together.
ICTC’s Digital Youth Ambassadors initiative is supported by our Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital program, which is funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).
