Building Young Professionals

Accelerating Green Careers for Underserved Youth

800+ Youth Served To Date

150+ Business Partners Over The Years

All Across Canada

Supported by

In recent years, joining the green workforce has become a much more intricate and competitive process for people interested in environmental sustainability and related fields.

There is a growing demand for skills and work experience among young people entering their careers. At the same time, the demand for green jobs is increasing dramatically with environmental awareness and the need to reduce impact on the planet. However, many young people face barriers to finding employment in this growing sector.

To address this need, UNA-Canada and the RBC Foundation are excited to announce the Building Young Professionals (BYP) 2025.

BYP – Green Jobs of the Future is an innovative training and mentorship programme that provides underserved youth ages 20-29 across Canada with skills, professional networks and work experience to succeed in the green job market of the future.

About The Programme

This programme includes:

1. Training

Workshops & training – fully online

To develop communication, finance, digital engagement for nature based climate solutions
Advances in tech for nature (data management tools for climate and environmental impact reporting)

2. Mentorship & networking

Mentorships with individuals in green Canadian industries and policy makers
Peer-to-peer networking opportunities with other participants across Canada

3. Work Experience

Option of a 3-6 month paid green work experience

4. Experiential Learning Weekend

An in-person opportunity to meet fellow peers of the programme, network and build life-long friendships.
Collaborate in groups to apply knowledge gained through BYP online workshops and tackle sustainability challenges, focusing on data tools and communication for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Buildings.

Serving Underserved Youth

The Building Young Professionals programme has been assisting underserved communities since its creation.

Some of the communities we serve:

Indigenous (including northern territories in Canada)
Women
LGBTQ2+
Newcomers to Canada (including international students and temporary foreign workers)
Racialized communities
Differently-abled individuals
Individuals of low socioeconomic status
Rural or remote communities

Employer Internship Partners:

Consider hiring our valuable participants for paid environmental work experience to make a positive impact and support the next generation.

Criteria:

Internships should last between 3 and 6 months, between now and November 2026.
Internships must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week).
Internships can be in-person, remote, or hybrid.

What’s in it for you?

Gain fresh perspectives, support green initiatives, nurture the next generation of sustainability leaders
Receive up to $6,500 in wage subsidies to cover up to 50% of interns’ salaries.

Questions?

BYP Green Sustainability Mentors!

Building Young Professionals 2026- Green Jobs of the Future is seeking mentors with experience in the green sustainability sector to work with underserved youth.

Eligibility:

– Live in Canada
– Commit 3 hours of time between March – June 2026.
– Professional experience in the green sustainability sector

Mentors’ responsibilities:

1. Guide 2 participants interested in pursuing a career in a field related to yours, discussing career goals, resume/interview skills and addressing any concerns.

2. Host one-hour monthly meetings with participants between March and June 2026.
It is suggested that you spend up to 30 minutes of preparation to prepare.

3. Be available for any questions that your mentees may have in between your sessions

Interested in Applying?

For more info:
BuildingYoungEntrepreneurs@unac.org

Apply now to inspire and guide participants!

Building Young Professionals

BYP, formerly known as BYE, is back! Youth across Canada will soon embark on their journeys to launch their new green careers. Stay tuned for an exciting experience ahead! Note that our funder’s name (RBC Future Launch) has been changed to RBC Foundation.

Additional Information for

Participating in Building Young Professionals

Building Young Professionals for Internship Partners

Programme Testimonials

Participating in the BYE programme was an enriching experience for me, and I believe it has played a significant role in my personal growth and professional development. Since completing the programme, I have gone ahead to handle personal projects and even worked on proposals with UNA-Canada. Additionally, I completed my master's degree and secured a job in my field of interest, and I attribute much of my success to the skills and knowledge I acquired during my time in the BYE programme.

I was part of the BYP 2022 Cohort. This experience was very insightful, engaging, and fun. The staff made sure that us participants received a well-rounded experience by pairing us with mentors, going to the network event and having bi-weekly learning/training sessions. This was a memorable experience and I would definitely recommend it!

BYE has provided me with an incredible experience. As a second-year university student, I did not have the necessary skills to pursue a career-relevant summer job. BYE was able to provide the knowledge I needed to pursue and land a role that challenged me and continues to allow me to grow. BYE was able to assist me in developing the skills and confidence needed to pursue something outside of my comfort zone. Along with that, being able to help strengthen necessary life skills like financial literacy.

My participation in the program has been very impactful for me and has been a major influence on my growing entrepreneurial mindset. This program helped expand my understanding of entrepreneurial pursuits. It has helped motivate me to become a successful social entrepreneur who adds value to my local and distant communities. Most importantly, Building young entrepreneurs helped me gain the confidence I needed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.

The BYE programme truly changed my perspective of what my career could look like. Topics that aren't normally discussed in school are provided in depth, ensuring that our skills are very well rounded. Having time with a mentor in my same field answered a lot of my questions, and gave me the confidence to pursue my passion.

Before starting BYE, I did not know much what to expect. I was feeling frustrated about the prospect of finding employment upon graduation from university, especially with the barriers imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, slowly but surely, BYE helped me reshape my perspective. Alongside workshops and conversations, I developed new skills and, most importantly, I was taught to identify and harness the skills that I already had and gave for granted. All in all, I really feel that I have gained confidence as a person integrating the workforce. I now have a better idea of my worth and that my work and perspective is valuable to any employer. Thank you UNAC and BYE for that!!

Make a Difference Today

Your donation directly supports UNA-Canada’s work and will be used wherever the need is greatest.

By making a donation you are helping to create a more just, inclusive and peaceful world.

Building Young Professionals

Accelerating Green Careers for Underserved Youth

800+ Youth Served To Date

150+ Business Partners Over The Years

All Across Canada

Supported by

In recent years, joining the green workforce has become a much more intricate and competitive process for people interested in environmental sustainability and related fields.

​About The Programme

Serving Underserved Youth

Employer Internship Partners:

Questions?

BYP Green Sustainability Mentors!

Interested in Applying?

Building Young Professionals

Additional Information for

Participating in Building Young Professionals

Building Young Professionals for Internship Partners

Programme Testimonials

Make a Difference Today

Accessi by Marketing Planet

Content Controls

Design Controls

Media and Other Controls

About The Programme