OVIN — Content Partnerships Program
ON, Canada
The OVIN Content Partnerships Program funds Ontario-based institutions up to $50,000 to develop micro-credentials for the automotive and mobility workforce.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 15, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)’s Content Partnerships Program aims to develop and deliver Ontario-made micro-credentials for the automotive and mobility workforce, hosted on OVIN’s Uptooling Platform. Eligible applicants, including Ontario-based post-secondary institutions and non-profits, can apply for up to $50,000, or up to $100,000 for projects creating at least four interconnected micro-credentials, to support sector-specific upskilling through validated content reflecting industry needs.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant opportunity is specifically designed for applicants located in Ontario. It requires that both the applicants and their industry partners be based within this province.
- Ontario, Canada
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Developing four micro-credentials focused on electric vehicle maintenance at Mohawk College
$100,000
Creating competency-based micro-credentials for autonomous vehicle software at Ryerson University
$95,000
Modification of existing automotive technology courses into micro-credentials at Seneca College
$100,000
Establishing four micro-credentials on sustainable automotive practices at Centennial College
$50,000
Development of an online course for electric vehicle design at Conestoga College
$90,000
Creating a bilingual curriculum for advanced automotive cybersecurity at University of Windsor
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and their collaboration with industry partners.
- The applicant must be an accredited Ontario-based post-secondary education institution.
- Alternatively, the applicant may be another accredited institution creating micro-credentials or other courses.
- Ontario-based non-profit organizations that run sector-relevant education programs for the automotive and mobility workforce in Ontario are also eligible to apply.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The following entities are eligible to apply for the OVIN's Content Partnerships Program:- Accredited Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions.- Other accredited institutions creating micro-credentials or other courses.- Ontario-based non-profit organizations that run sector-relevant education programs for the automotive and mobility workforce in Ontario.These eligible applicants must work with Ontario-based industry partners in the automotive and mobility industry, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 suppliers, and relevant industry associations, to validate and support the micro-credential development.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is primarily aimed at accredited institutions and non-profit organizations involved in developing sector-relevant educational programs. Industrial restrictions ensure alignment with the program objectives of upskilling the Ontario automotive and mobility workforce.
- For-profit corporations that are not involved in education development.
- Organizations outside of Ontario.
- Entities not capable of collaborating with industry partners to validate micro-credentials.
- Businesses lacking an automotive or mobility focus.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports the development of micro-credential content relevant to the automotive and mobility sectors in Ontario. Eligible projects aim to enhance workforce skills through targeted educational programs aligned with industry needs.
- Development of new micro-credentials tailored to the automotive and mobility sector, focusing on electrification and relevant skills.
- Modification of existing automotive and mobility-related content to align with current industry needs and standards.
- Creation of content to support new online learners in the automotive and mobility fields, ensuring accessibility and diversity.
- Conducting industry surveys and validations to ensure the relevance and impact of micro-credential content.
- Engagement with industry partners and advisory committees to guide the content development process.
- Development of final reports detailing frameworks, gaps, and accreditation guidelines for automotive training programs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses necessary for the development and delivery of micro-credentials under the program.
- Content design and development costs.
- Costs associated with engaging industry partners for validation processes.
- Technology and platform expenses related to content creation and delivery.
- Personnel costs for those contributing directly to the development and implementation of micro-credentials.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for OVIN’s Content Partnerships Program are based on the criteria that ensure the proposed micro-credentials align with the program’s objectives and industry needs.
- Relevance and alignment to specific skills and competencies required by the automotive and mobility industry.
- Demonstrated need for the micro-credential through industry validation, including surveys and partner feedback.
- Incorporation of equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in content development.
- Potential impact on the Ontario automotive and mobility workforce, including projected upskilling outcomes for a defined number of employees.
- Demonstrated use of OVIN’s Talent Strategy & Roadmap and Labour Market Data to inform design.
- Innovative approaches to content development and delivery that consider diverse learning styles and accessibility needs.
- Feasibility of implementing four inter-connected micro-credentials, if applicable, and the proposal's capacity to manage this scope effectively.
- Effectiveness of partnership engagement, and industry advisory committee input in the micro-credential development.
- Measurable against reported skills gaps, illustrating how the education will bridge current workforce challenges.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Content Partnerships Program:
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Visit the program's overview and thoroughly read the guidelines to ensure that your project aligns with the program's objectives and requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare Proposal
- Develop a comprehensive application proposal detailing your micro-credential project, objectives, and expected outcomes.
- Ensure your proposal includes industry validation and a plan for developing micro-credentials with input from industry partners.
- Gather supporting documents such as letters of support from industry partners and details of an industry advisory committee.
- Step 3: Conduct Environmental Scan
- Perform an environmental scan to demonstrate knowledge of the ecosystem and potential partners.
- Step 4: Submission via AccessOCI
- Register or log in to AccessOCI, the online portal for submitting your application.
- Complete and upload your full application package, including the proposal and all supporting documents.
- Step 5: Application Review
- Note that proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so submission as early as possible is advisable.
- Step 6: Attend Information Sessions (Optional)
- Register and attend information sessions if desired for additional guidance and clarification.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Miscellaneous information about the grant includes a variety of details ranging from eligible expenditures to monitoring and evaluation requirements.
- Costs directly attributable to the construction and necessary for the project completion are eligible.
- Salaries and statutory benefits for program support staff not exceeding $5,000 per month are eligible.
- Salaries must be claimed proportionally to the amount of time spent on project activities.
- Travel expenses must represent the most economical option and be project-related.
- Professional services such as consultant fees, audit, and insurance that assist in achieving the objectives are eligible.
- Costs not directly associated with meeting deliverables, such as ongoing production costs and personal expenses, are ineligible.
- Stream One focuses on Electrification and requires skills related to battery and charging technologies among others.
- Stream Two involves modifying existing automotive and mobility-related content for micro-credentials.
- Stream Three supports topics to set up members for success in online learning environments.
- Recommendations for course content updates should ensure relevance and implementation flexibility.
- Intellectual Property (IP) developed under the program will be owned by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) or licensed to OCI.
- Program outcomes must include data collection strategies and measure satisfaction, mastery of skills, and industry engagement.
Apply to this program
Empowering Upskilling in Ontario’s Automotive and Mobility Sectors
The Content Partnerships Program by OVIN aims to develop and deploy micro-credentials to uplift skills in Ontario’s automotive and mobility industries. By fostering collaborations between industry, academia, and professionals, the program seeks to address the evolving skills demands through an innovative online learning platform.
In-depth Insight into the Content Partnerships Program
The Content Partnerships Program offered by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) marks a strategic approach to strengthening the automotive and mobility workforce in Ontario through advanced upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Recognizing the fast-paced evolution in the automotive and mobility sectors, this initiative focuses on bridging the skills gap via bespoke micro-credentials, critical for enhancing the competencies of both new and existing professionals in the field. The program invites Ontario-based educational institutions and nonprofit organizations specializing in sector-relevant education to create and implement dynamic learning modules aligned with current industry demands.
At the core of this initiative is the yet-to-be-launched OVIN Learning Hub, which will serve as the digital repository and dissemination platform for these micro-credentials. By leveraging this platform, the program ensures widespread accessibility and engagement for participants across Ontario, addressing the geographical and logistical challenges traditionally associated with professional education and skill development. This digital transition not only amplifies Ontario's resources but also promotes the province’s prowess in automotive innovation to a global audience.
Applicants are eligible to receive funding up to $50,000 per credential, with opportunities for substantial funding (up to $100,000) for proposals that integrate interconnected micro-credentials catering to comprehensive learning pathways. This funding underscores the program's commitment to fostering holistic skill development and provides substantial support for the rigorous content creation process required to meet the industry’s diverse needs.
Key to the success of these micro-credentials is industry validation, an imperative part of the program guidelines. Participating entities must collaborate with industry partners, including OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, to ensure that the curricula developed are not only innovative but are calibrated to real-world skills requirements. This collaboration extends beyond initial development, calling for ongoing industry involvement through advisory committees and validation processes that ensure the alignment of educational outcomes to practical industry needs.
Moreover, these modules are designed considering equity, diversity, and inclusion principles, addressing various learner accessibility needs and learning styles across Ontario’s culturally and professionally diverse workforce. This inclusivity is crucial for creating an impactful and sustainable impact on the workforce.
The architectural framework of the program allows participants to engage in net-new content creation focusing primarily on electrification, modification of existing resources, and support for new online learners. Furthermore, this initiative's flexible structure supports integration with the overarching goals of OVIN's Talent Strategy & Roadmap, harnessing labor market data and insights to tailor-make micro-credentials that prepare learners effectively for future opportunities.
Overall, the Content Partnerships Program is a multi-faceted endeavor that not only invests in immediate training needs but also paves the way for sustained innovation and competitiveness in Ontario’s automotive and mobility sectors. For organizations engaged in pioneering educational content, this program represents a significant opportunity to contribute to Ontario’s leadership in a rapidly expanding industry, enhancing workforce readiness and sustaining the province's global market stature.
