Young Women in Public Safety Program
Did you know that women occupy less than a quarter of front-line law enforcement positions? We're trying to change that by bridging the gap!
If you're a young woman in grade 11, or secondary 4 in Quebec, check out the amazing, paid opportunity below to explore possible career options in the field of safety and security.
On this page:
Eligibility: Who can apply
If you meet the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) criteria and answer "yes" to each point below, we want you to apply!
- Do you identify as a woman?
- Are you in grade 11 or secondary 4 in Quebec? (other grades may be considered)
- Will you be 16 years of age before July 2025?
- Are you interested in working in the field of safety and security?
- Are you passionate about helping people?
- Do you take initiative and demonstrate strong leadership skills?
How to apply
You can apply through the Federal Student Work Experience Program. The FSWEP application is posted mid-January of each year under 'Specialized inventories' for a period of 4 weeks.
Don't forget, when submitting your application, self-declare as a woman to be considered!
About the program
The Young Women in Public Safety Program offers female high school students a chance to explore possible opportunities in the field of safety and security. The program aims to:
- Address the gender discrepancy between women and men in the industry, and
- Increase awareness about the wide range of career possibilities available to women in these fields
There are so many possibilities!
You will be amazed at all of the exciting jobs available in the safety and security field – some you may not have thought of! Examples include:
- Correctional Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Policy Developer
- Researcher of science and technology – and more!
The Experience
What you'll do
Spend 5 full days (one week in July) meeting experts in the field of safety and security. You will visit different government departments and agencies, learn about what they do and how they do it. The best part is, you're paid!
Who you would be working with
Public Safety Canada works with five agencies and three review bodies, united in a single portfolio. During the week of the program, our regional portfolio partners look forward to giving you a glimpse into their day-to-day work lives! Those you may work with include:
- Public Safety Canada
- Canada Border Services Agency
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Correctional Service of Canada
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service
- Parole Board Canada
What you will gain
By participating in the Young Women in Public Safety Program, you will:
- Network with successful, influential female leaders in the field
- Enjoy VIP treatment with a 'behind the scenes' look at day-to-day operations through a mix of presentations and interactive, hands-on activities
- Make informed choices about your career goals
- Make long-term friendships and connections
- Help build a diverse, knowledgeable, and impactful workforce, and
- Your participation in the program through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) opens the door to future Government of Canada employment opportunities
Testimonials
Hear from other young women about their experiences with the Young Women in Public Safety Program.
Participating in The Young Women in Public Safety Program was truly a valuable experience. I got the unique opportunity to visit various government institutions, learning about different roles, and got the chance to ask any questions I had. I really enjoyed all the presentations and activities, and I also got the chance to speak to professionals in each department. It was an educational experience that revealed many aspects of public safety I hadn't known before, and sparked my interest in a potential career in this field! (like forensic analysis). My highlights were visiting CSIS, the RCMP forensics and finger identification labs, and learning about CBSA operations. The program leaders and other participants were so lovely and supportive, and many of us came out of the program with new friends! I highly recommend this program to anyone with some curiosity and looking to explore new career options.
YWPS is a program I didn't know I needed until I stepped into the conference room on the first day! The warm welcomes and numerous presentations allowed me to delve into the ins and outs of various careers—some of which I didn't even know existed! This week has reshaped my thinking, making me more open-minded and confident about the various options available in Public Safety. It will continue to impact my life decisions by empowering me to learn and grow. I'm immensely grateful for this opportunity, and I urge everyone to apply! In addition to the unique experiences, meeting extraordinary individuals and creating memories, this program kept me on my toes. From visiting CBSA at the airport to shadowing forensic scientists at the RCMP, it caters to all interests and will inspire you to revisit your path. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—APPLY!
The Young Women in Public Safety program opened my eyes to so many career opportunities. There is such a variety of jobs in the Public Safety field; some of the opportunities that interested me the most were dog handlers at the airport with Border Security, or working in a lab with the RCMP. It was also eye-opening to see just how many people work in Public Safety, and how much effort it takes to keep Canada safe (we often take our country's safety for granted). This program helped me find confidence in my future. It's completely game changing to be invited to the table with the professionals, and to have them speaking personally to you. The prospect of your career as you're just emerging from high school is extremely daunting, but being able to see behind the scenes helps it seem much more approachable. The program team is such an amazing and encouraging group of women and I'm so thankful that I got to learn from them and from all the other awesome people we visited over the course of the week!
Participating in the 2024 Young Women in Public Safety program was an enriching and eye-opening experience. The opportunity to connect with experts and explore various careers within public safety and security was invaluable. Among the most appreciated moments were the visits to departments such as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), where I observed their daily operations and gained firsthand insights into the field. This program has significantly influenced my future career choice by broadening my understanding of public safety roles and inspiring me to pursue a career in this dynamic and impactful sector.
- Date modified: