Workforce Development Stream

Workforce Development Stream

The intent of the Workforce Development Stream is to strengthen and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce through business partnerships by offering internships.

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : April 17, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Status
Open

Overview

For eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations, funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 90% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per year. For eligible businesses, funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per year. NOHFC funding under this program, when combined with other provincial and federal government sources, will generally not exceed 50% of eligible costs for businesses and 90% of eligible costs for municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations. Funding for each project is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, and limited funding is available. Not all projects meeting the criteria will necessarily receive funding.

Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for this grant include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario that have been in operation for at least one year and have a minimum of one full-time employee. The projects eligible for funding are limited-term internship positions of 52 weeks for candidates who are new entrants into the workforce, transitioning to a new career, or unemployed/underemployed individuals.

  • Must be a business, municipality, Indigenous community, or not-for-profit organization in Northern Ontario
  • Operational for at least one year with a minimum of one full-time employee
  • Internship positions of 52 weeks for eligible candidates entering the workforce, transitioning careers, or unemployed/underemployed
  • Candidates must be at least 18 years old and legally entitled to work in Canada

Who is eligible

Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario that have been in operation for at least one year and have a minimum of one full-time employee are eligible to apply for the Workforce Development Stream grant.

Eligible expenses

Yes, eligible expenses for this grant include salaries/wages and employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks. Other eligible expenses may include apprenticeship internships, research positions, and extended placement periods up to 18 months.

  • Salaries/wages for internship positions
  • Employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs)
  • Apprenticeship internships
  • Research positions
  • Extended placement periods up to 18 months

Eligible projects & activities

Yes, projects or activities are eligible for this grant. The eligible projects include internship positions for new entrants into the workforce, individuals transitioning to a new career, or the unemployed/underemployed entering a new field. The projects must be for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks with at least 35 hours of work per week and meet specific criteria.

  • Internship positions targeting new entrants, career transitioners, or unemployed/underemployed individuals
  • Intern positions must be for a 52-week term with a minimum of 35 hours per week
  • Candidates must be at least 18 years old, legally entitled to work in Canada, and have not participated in a NOHFC-funded internship previously
  • Employers can hire apprentices under registered apprenticeship programs and may be eligible for extended placements or second-year funding under certain conditions

Evaluation & selection criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation criteria include addressing labor shortages, potential for permanent job creation, skill development opportunities, and quality of work/training supervision.

  • The extent to which the position addresses a labor shortage or supports the development of a skilled trade or profession in Northern Ontario
  • The opportunity for the placement to result in a full-time, permanent job with the applicant or another Northern Ontario business
  • The quality of the skill development opportunity and the potential for the position to provide specific and recognizable transferable skills
  • The quality of the position’s work/training plan and direct onsite supervision methods

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria and program requirements
  • Content: Understand the eligibility requirements for businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario.
  • Implications: Ensure your organization meets the necessary criteria before proceeding with the application.
  • Step 2: Prepare the required documentation
  • Content: Gather necessary documents such as financial records, proof of operation, and other supporting materials.
  • Implications: Ensure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date to support your application.
  • Step 3: Complete the application form
  • Content: Fill out the application form with detailed information about your organization, the internship position, and the intended outcomes.
  • Implications: Provide clear and concise responses to demonstrate how your internship aligns with the program objectives.
  • Step 4: Submit the application
  • Content: Submit the completed application form along with all required documentation to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
  • Implications: Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline and according to the specified submission guidelines.
  • Step 5: Await the funding decision
  • Content: Wait for the NOHFC to review your application and make a funding decision based on the evaluation criteria.
  • Implications: Be prepared to provide additional information if requested and monitor communication from the NOHFC regarding the status of your application.

Documents and links

Workforce Development Stream

Apply to this program