Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration program?

To be eligible for the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration program, you must: • Must be a recognized employers' association by the CPMT or a mutual training organization recognized by the CPMT. • Must have a Quebec Business Number and be legally constituted for at least 12 months. • Must have internal resources assigned to the project.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration?

You can contact Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT) by email at partenaires@mess.gouv.qc.ca.

Q: Where is the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration available?

The Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are women eligible for the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration program.

Last Update: July 30, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports innovative workforce skills development and training pathways

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Évolution-Compétences – Parcours Exploration call for projects provides up to $10 million in funding to support innovative initiatives that encourage workforce skill development and discovery of qualifying training pathways. Eligible activities include immersive experience projects, awareness campaigns, and communication strategies aimed at guiding individuals toward in-demand professions and responding to labour market needs.

Financing terms and conditions

The financial assistance can cover up to 100% of eligible expenses.
Salary cap for internal project staff is $90,000 per year per person.
Professional fees are capped at $150 per hour.
Administrative costs are eligible up to 10% of the total eligible expenses.
Total funding envelope for this call for projects is $10 million for 2025-2026.

Activities funded

Implementation of real and immersive experiences, such as mentorship, workplace exchanges, sharing of testimonials, hands-on field experimentation, and internships to explore targeted trades or professions.
Launching or expanding initiatives and campaigns by labour market partners to enhance awareness and visibility of structured training paths and professions in demand.
Promotion and discovery activities that present sectors, training opportunities, professions, and skill development options to targeted audiences through strategic communications and outreach tools.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 137,000

Career awareness campaign for women in construction and trades

$ 150,000

Indigenous youth mentorship in healthcare professions pilot program

$ 129,000

STEM career discovery roadshows in rural and remote communities

$ 110,000

Hands-on energy trades workshops for immigrants and newcomers

$ 89,000

Bilingual skills bootcamp for logistics and supply chain management

Eligibility

The applicant must be a legally constituted non-profit organization with a Quebec enterprise number.
The organization must have been established for at least 12 months.
The applicant must have internal resources assigned to the project.
The project must have a maximum duration of 12 months.
The proposed project must address targeted sectors or professions identified as priorities or facing significant labour shortages.

Who is eligible?

Workforce sectoral committees
Employer associations recognized by the CPMT
Legally constituted worker associations
Community or nonprofit organizations represented at the CPMT
Organizations representing all public educational establishments with representation at the CPMT
Parity committees established under a decree
Training mutuals recognized by the CPMT

Who is not eligible

Federal government organizations subject to the Public Service Employment Act.
Quebec government organizations whose personnel are appointed and paid under the Public Service Act.
Crown corporations and state-owned enterprises.
Municipalities, regional county municipalities, cities, and boroughs.
Organizations with unresolved debts to the Ministry, unless a written repayment agreement is in place.
Organizations engaged in controversial activities deemed unreasonable to be associated with the Ministry.

Eligible expenses

Salaries of internal project staff (up to $90,000 per person annually).
Travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for internal staff and external collaborators, according to provincial guidelines.
Honoraria for professional services (consulting, content development, validation, artistic direction, production, web integration, marketing, etc.) up to $150/hour.
Salaries of industry experts released by their companies to participate in the project (actual cost).
Registration fees for trade shows and fairs (actual cost).
Room rental costs, including audiovisual equipment, as well as the purchase or rental of equipment for project promotion (actual cost).
Licensing fees for music, images, and necessary software or online platforms (actual cost).
Advertising placement and media relations expenses (actual cost).
Honoraria for interpreters or costs related to adapting materials for participants with specific needs (actual cost).
Promotional material (actual cost).
Administrative expenses, including project management and secretarial support (up to 10% of eligible expenses).

Eligible geographic areas

Province of Quebec

Selection criteria

Relevance of the project to one or two target audiences (e.g., youth in initial training, workers seeking upskilling or retraining, workers affected by labour market transformations, or unemployed individuals).
Particular attention given to underrepresented groups in the labour market (such as immigrants, Indigenous peoples, women, individuals aged 45 and over, English-speaking Quebecers, and persons with disabilities or judicial involvement).
Pertinence and adaptation of the deployment strategy to the target audience, considering specific regional needs.
Confirmation of engagement from at least two relevant partners, demonstrated by letters of commitment.
Use of measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators to evaluate project outcomes.

How to apply

Verify eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria for organizations and promoters
Identify if your organization and project meet the program’s requirements

Define project scope

Identify targeted sector(s), the qualifications, audience, and objectives for your project
Ensure alignment with program priorities and requirements

Prepare required documents

Gather all required documents, including the application form, project budget, timeline, and partner commitment letters (if applicable)
Obtain supporting quotes or estimates for non-salary or non-honorarium expenses

Develop communication plan

Draft a detailed communication plan covering objectives, challenges, target audiences, deployment strategies, and evaluation methods
Include previous campaign results if relevant

Review application dossier

Ensure all sections of the application and supporting documents are complete and accurate
Verify all required documents are attached

Submit application

Submit the complete application to partenaires@mess.gouv.qc.ca before the deadline of September 26, 2025

Await results

Wait for the decision on your grant application from program administrators
Respond to any additional requests for information if needed

Additional information

The total program envelope for the "Parcours Exploration" call for projects is $10 million for 2025-2026.
Projects must not begin before official project approval; expenses incurred prior to agreement signature are not reimbursable.
An evaluation report containing quantitative and qualitative indicators of project success is required.
The final financial report, with all supporting documentation, must be submitted within six months after project completion.

Contacts

partenaires@mess.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Évolution-Compétences — Call for projects Parcours Exploration. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.