OVIN — Regional Future Workforce Program
ON, Canada
Money for automotive and mobility sector student education
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 01, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 30, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive up to $500,000 to develop and run education initiatives and programs that focus on skills and knowledge for learners between kindergarten and post-secondary to succeed in the automotive and mobility industry in Ontario.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is targeted towards organizations and institutions based in Ontario, Canada, to support regional workforce development in the automotive and mobility sector.
- Ontario, Canada
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$200,000
Implementing a mobility mentorship program for immigrants
$185,000
Creating an automotive engineering summer camp for girls
$120,000
Developing an online automotive technology course for BIPOC students
$150,000
Organizing a career fair for automotive careers targeted at remote areas
$250,000
Launching a coding bootcamp for underrepresented youth
$75,000
Partnering with local schools to deliver automotive workshops
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Regional Future Workforce Program, applicants must meet certain organizational and program criteria.
- Applicants must be based in Ontario.
- Eligible applicants include Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions, non-profit organizations with an Ontario-based bank account that run education programs for kindergarten to post-secondary students in Ontario, and elementary and secondary public schools and school boards across Ontario.
- Applicants are required to partner with at least one industry member from the automotive and mobility sector, including OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or relevant industry associations.
- Partners involved must also be Ontario-based.
- Applicants must provide a matching contribution by covering the salary of one staff member per audience segment targeted, who will be involved in all key activities of the program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Regional Future Workforce Program include Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions, nonprofit organizations that run education programs for kindergarten to post-secondary students in Ontario, and elementary and secondary public schools and school boards across Ontario. Applicants must have experience in developing educational programs, engaging students from equity-deserving and underrepresented groups, and fulfilling partnership requirements with industry partners, post-secondary institutions, or schools/school boards.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant:
- For-profit companies
- Companies without an Ontario-based bank account
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between students and Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector. Eligible projects focus on engagement and educational programs for students across different grade levels.
- Development and implementation of educational programs that cater to students from Kindergarten to post-secondary levels.
- Programs must target engagement with students from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups.
- Activities that focus on STEM and non-STEM skills relevant to the automotive and mobility sector.
- Collaboration with industry partners and educational institutions to design programs addressing skills/talent needs.
- Promotional activities to increase awareness and participation of students in the automotive and mobility sector.
- Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness in creating a strong talent pipeline for the industry.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific program-related expenses that facilitate the design, development, and execution of the initiatives.
- Program design, development, and implementation costs.
- Logistics and administration expenses related to staffing and resources.
- Marketing, promotion, and outreach for program visibility.
- Costs associated with conducting a program showcase.
- Monitoring and evaluation expenses for program assessment.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria are as follows:
- Alignment with program objectives and guidelines
- Inclusivity and engagement of underrepresented groups
- Demonstrated experience in developing successful education programs
- Partner collaboration and involvement
- Program design, implementation, and monitoring plan
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Complete Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Visit the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) website to access the Expression of Interest form.
- Fill out the EOI form with your organization’s details and initial proposal for the program.
- Submit the completed EOI by the deadline of November 30, 2022, at 12pm EST.
- Step 2: Initial Contact by OCI Manager
- Await contact from an OCI Manager to discuss your EOI submission.
- Engage in discussions with the manager to clarify any aspects of the proposal and receive guidance.
- Step 3: Full Application (if selected)
- Receive an invitation from the Program Manager to submit a full application, if your organization is selected to advance.
- Prepare a comprehensive proposal including program design, implementation plans, logistical details, and partner information.
- Ensure all application materials meet the guidelines provided on the OVIN’s Resource Documents page.
- Step 4: Submit Full Application
- Log into the OCI submission portal to upload your full application and supporting documents.
- Review all entered information for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the full application as per the instructions received from the Program Manager.
- Step 5: Keep Updated
- Subscribe to the OVIN newsletter to receive updates and insights about the automotive and mobility sector.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program's focus includes reducing stigma associated with careers in skilled trades within the automotive sector.
- Programs must engage a minimum of 500 students.
- Programs must be offered at no cost to the students.
- The program aims to provide insights into the gaps between industry and academia.
- The grant requires collaboration with at least one industry partner from the automotive and mobility sector.
- Unique program content must be developed for each audience segment targeted.
- Programs must be completed by December 15, 2023.
- Partners are encouraged but not required to contribute in-kind resources.
Apply to this program
Strengthening Ontario's Automotive Future Through Education
The Regional Future Workforce Program aims to equip the next generation with skills pertinent to Ontario's automotive and mobility sector by fostering student engagement across various educational grades. This initiative provides up to $500,000 in funding per applicant to create educational programs targeting multiple student age groups.
In-Depth Look at the Regional Future Workforce Program's Goals and Components
The Regional Future Workforce Program (RFW) by OVIN is a pioneering initiative aimed at narrowing the gap between educational institutions and the automotive and mobility sector in Ontario. This vital program, funded by grants of up to $500,000 for qualified applicants, is set to transform how students engage with the automotive industry, providing vital exposure and opportunities that catalyze career interest and skill development in this dynamic field.
One of the foremost objectives of the RFW Program is to increase awareness and participation in the automotive and mobility sector among students from kindergarten to post-secondary education. This involves crafting tailored educational experiences that introduce young minds to the possibilities within the sector, thereby reducing industry stigma, especially around skilled trades, and enhancing the appeal of automotive careers. Recognizing the value of diversity, this program places a strong emphasis on reaching out to equity-deserving and underrepresented groups, encouraging them to explore potential careers in the automotive industry, thereby fostering a more inclusive workforce environment.
With the ever-evolving nature of the automotive sector, especially with the advancements in mobility technologies, there is a pressing need to align educational efforts with industry needs. The RFW Program is strategically structured to identify and address these gaps, enabling educational content to be refined and aligned with current and future sector demands. This, in turn, ensures that the upcoming workforce is not only aware but is also well-equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
Applicants interested in the RFW Program must focus their project on at least two out of four specified audience segments, ensuring tailored content is delivered across different educational stages. Whether focusing on STEM or a blend of STEM and non-STEM skills, the content must be relevant and applicable to future roles within the automotive and mobility landscape.
Collaborative efforts form the cornerstone of the program’s implementation. As such, applicants are required to partner with an Ontario-based organization and must engage with industry partners who can provide valuable insights into skill requirements and emerging trends. This collaboration not only enriches the educational content but also creates a conduit for real-world industry experiences, giving students an invaluable glimpse into their potential futures.
The logistical aspect of program execution encompasses a comprehensive approach starting from design and development to recruitment and administration, marketing outreach, and showcasing the program’s success. Each step is crucial in building a sustainable program model that can be replicated or expanded upon in future iterations.
Evaluations are a critical component, providing feedback and metrics that guide future improvements and adaptations. Successful program completion is marked by demonstrable outcomes — from increased student engagement to heightened awareness and interest in the automotive sector, particularly among targeted underrepresented groups.
For applicants, forming strategic partnerships and ensuring a matching contribution by funding necessary staff roles is imperative. These staffing roles cover key activities across different audiences, ensuring the seamless execution of the project. Partners are integral not only for program delivery but also as a bridge to the industry, offering in-kind support and steering program relevance with their expertise.
Ultimately, the Regional Future Workforce Program is more than just a funding opportunity; it is a chance to innovate within educational and industry intersections, shaping the future workforce that will sustain and grow Ontario’s automotive sector. Engaging deeply with this initiative can have lasting impacts, inspiring students and transforming their perceptions of and opportunities within a critical industry.
