People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream
ON, Canada
Wage subsidy to hire Indigenous interns in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding to cover up to 75% of an Indigenous intern's salary and employer's portion of MERCs to a maximum of $52,500/year (for-profit businesses) or up to 90% of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to companies situated in Northern Ontario, aligning with the funding body's regional development strategy for Indigenous workforce enhancement.
- Northern Ontario
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$31,500
Calgary
Facilitating an Indigenous internship in software testing
$33,750
Montreal
Implementing an Indigenous research internship at a university
$33,750
Toronto
Developing an Indigenous internship program focusing on financial analysis
$39,375
Vancouver
Launching an Indigenous internship for a web developer
$33,000
Ottawa
Initiating an Indigenous apprenticeship internship in carpentry
$35,000
Winnipeg
Creating a two-year internship for professional certification
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires that the applying organization meets certain operational and locational criteria.
- The applicant must be a business, municipality, Indigenous community, or a not-for-profit organization.
- The location of the applicant must be in Northern Ontario.
- The organization must have been in operation for at least one year.
- The organization must have a minimum of one full-time employee.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream are businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario that have been operational for at least one year. These entities must have a minimum of one full-time employee to be considered eligible for the program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
While the grant does not explicitly exclude specific industries or types of companies, certain restrictions related to the nature of the position and selection process might limit eligibility. These ensure alignment with the grant's workforce development goals.
- Positions that involve manual labour or require minimal training (less than six months).
- Clerical positions focused on tasks such as answering phones or general office work.
- Roles primarily in retail and general sales.
- Employers hiring immediate family members or relatives, except in limited labour base communities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant program is designed to enhance the Indigenous workforce by supporting paid internship opportunities. Eligible projects focus on creating meaningful positions that address skill development and career growth in Northern Ontario.
- Internship positions offering career entry for Indigenous individuals in Northern Ontario.
- Internships in skilled trades or professions experiencing labour shortages in Northern Ontario.
- Internship opportunities that facilitate skill development and provide transferable skills.
- Creation of internship work plans that incorporate direct onsite supervision and training.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the salaries and mandatory costs for internships under the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream.
- Salaries/wages for internship positions.
- Employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs), including Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance, and mandatory minimum vacation pay as per the Employment Standards Act.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that assess the potential impact and sustainability of the internship positions in Northern Ontario.
- The extent to which the position addresses a labour 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 transferrable skills.
- The quality of the position's work/training plan and direct onsite supervision methods.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is eligible and meets the criteria for the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream.
- Confirm that the potential intern meets all the eligibility requirements.
- Step 2: Develop Internship Plan
- Outline the internship position that addresses a labour shortage or supports skill development in Northern Ontario.
- Prepare a training and work plan for the intern with clear objectives and skill development opportunities.
- Ensure the position provides significant and recognizable transferrable skills and includes direct onsite supervision.
- Step 3: Compile Application Documents
- Gather necessary documents including organizational details, proposed internship details, and any supporting materials.
- Ensure compliance with required insurance standards and have the certificate ready, if granted funding.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Access the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation's online portal or application form.
- Fill out the application form accurately with all required information.
- Attach all necessary documents and double-check for completeness.
- Submit the application by the specified deadline.
- Step 5: Post-Submission
- Receive confirmation of submission with an application number for future reference.
- Prepare for potential follow-up or requests for additional details from the funding body.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Participants must not have previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship.
- A conditional contribution can cover a significant portion of salary depending on the organization type, with a cap per year.
- Insurance coverage must include Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation as additional insured with other specific requirements.
- Employers may hire an intern before funding approval, but at their own risk, and only upon proof of a fair selection process.
- Immediate family members or relatives of owners and directors generally cannot be hired as interns, with some exceptions in smaller communities.
Apply to this program
Nurturing Indigenous Talent in Northern Ontario
The Indigenous Workforce Development Stream strives to enhance the Indigenous workforce in Northern Ontario through meaningful employment opportunities. This initiative provides funding support for internships that foster skill development and long-term career prospects.
The Indigenous Workforce Development Stream: Empowering Indigenous Talent through Strategic Internships
The Indigenous Workforce Development Stream is a crucial initiative aimed at bolstering the employment opportunities for Indigenous communities within Northern Ontario. By partnering with businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations in the region, the program seeks to create pathways for Indigenous persons to gain valuable work experience and skills development in various professional fields. The initiative underscores the importance of economic inclusivity by focusing on creating meaningful employment opportunities that can lead to permanent positions.
Eligible applicants for this program include organizations operating in Northern Ontario for at least a year and having at least one full-time employee. This comprehensive approach ensures that the program supports not only new entrants into the workforce but also those transitioning into new careers, as well as the unemployed or underemployed seeking new opportunities. By offering support for creating internship positions, the program aims to address skill shortages and promote the advancement of skilled trades within the region.
The program is designed to provide substantial financial assistance covering up to 90% of an Indigenous intern's salary and employer's portion of mandatory employment-related costs for eligible entities like municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits, and up to 75% for businesses. Such financial backing highlights the program's commitment to reducing financial barriers for organizations looking to create impactful internship opportunities. These internships not only aim to provide immediate job placements but also focus on long-term skill development that aligns with recognized qualifications and career pathways, thus offering a tangible stepping stone towards sustainable careers.
An essential aspect of the program is its focus on positions with growth potential and the ability to translate internship experience into permanent employment. This is seen as a strategic move towards reducing dependency on short-term jobs and promoting stability in the workforce. By prioritizing positions that develop recognized transferrable skills and offering structured training and direct onsite supervision, the program ensures high-quality professional development that benefits both interns and participating organizations.
Importantly, the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream mandates a fair recruitment process, aiming to ensure equal access to internship opportunities across Indigenous communities. By requiring proof of fair and open hiring processes, the program aims to maintain transparency and meritocracy.
The strategic impact of this program is further emphasized by its evaluation criteria, which include the position's contribution to addressing regional labor shortages and its potential for evolving into a permanent job. These criteria ensure that funded internships are not only about temporary placements but are integral to building a resilient and skilled Indigenous workforce equipped to meet the demands of Northern Ontario’s diverse industries.
Ultimately, the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream represents a significant investment in nurturing Indigenous talent through strategic internships, laying the foundation for economic growth and inclusion in Northern Ontario. By paving the way for Indigenous individuals to develop their skills within supportive and structured settings, the program contributes profoundly to both the personal and professional development of participants, as well as to the broader socio-economic fabric of Northern Ontario.