OVIN — Regional Future Workforce Program

This grant provides extensive funding support through a single comprehensive payment to foster the development and deployment of programs in Ontario's automotive and mobility sector. The financial assistance is contingent upon fulfilling several mandates outlined within the program.

• Maximum funding of $500,000 CAD per application, irrespective of the number of audience segments served.
• Programs must be delivered at no cost to participants.
• Applicants must provide a matching contribution covering the salary of one staff member per targeted audience segment.
• Funds are released only to successful applicants and not their partners, encouraging in-kind contributions from industry partners.

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.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant:

• For-profit companies
• Companies without an Ontario-based bank account

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is explicitly available to entities within Ontario, Canada, as stated by the funding body. It targets regional development in the automotive and mobility industries across the province.

• All regions across Ontario, Canada.
• Ontario-based non-profit organizations.
• Ontario-based post-secondary education institutions.
• Elementary and secondary public schools and school boards across Ontario.

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

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.