People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream
ON, Canada
Wage subsidy to hire 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 up to $35,000/year to cover up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs (for-profit businesses) and up to 90% coverage for not-for-profit organizations.
grant_single_labels|projects
Below are the eligible projects or activities for this grant:
- New entrants into the workforce, career transition individuals, or unemployed/underemployed individuals entering a new field
- Internship positions must be for 52 weeks with at least 35 hours of work per week
- Interns must be at least 18 years old, reside in Canada, and be legally entitled to work
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$22,500
Calgary
Launching a graphic design internship program at a financial cooperative
$30,000
Toronto
Establishing a new internship program in web development at Toronto's tech startup
$34,200
Edmonton
Art Gallery offering a curatorial internship for emerging artists
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant include:
- Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario
- Minimum of one year in operation with at least one full-time employee
- Internship positions for new entrants, career transitioners, and unemployed or underemployed individuals
- Interns must be at least 18 years old and legally entitled to work in Canada
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Some types of companies eligible for this grant include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario with at least one full-time employee and one year of operation.
- Businesses
- Municipalities
- Indigenous communities
- Not-for-profit organizations
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies are not eligible for the Workforce Development Stream grant. Businesses that primarily involve retail and general sales, or positions that displace existing employees, clerical duties, or manual labor with minimal training are not eligible.
- Positions involving retail and general sales
- Roles displacing existing employees
- Clerical positions like answering phones or filing
- Positions with general, manual labor or minimal training requirements
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include salaries/wages and employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for a limited-term internship position, up to a maximum of $35,000 per year. Additional eligible expenses may include up to five research positions for colleges, universities, and research institutions, in addition to two regular internship positions.
- Salaries/wages and employer’s portion of MERCs for internships
- Research positions for eligible institutions
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications will be evaluated based on the extent of addressing labor shortages, potential for full-time job creation, quality of skill development, and work/training plan quality.
- The extent to which the position addresses a labor 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 transferable skills
- The quality of the position’s work/training plan and direct onsite supervision methods
grant_single_labels|register
- Complete the application form with all required information and supporting documents.
- Submit the application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for review.
- Wait for the evaluation of the application based on the specified criteria.
- If approved, follow the guidelines and requirements outlined by the program for internship placement and funding.
Apply to this program
Workforce Development Stream Grant Summary
The Workforce Development Stream grant aims to bolster Northern Ontario's workforce by fostering partnerships with businesses through internships. Eligible entities include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profits in Northern Ontario, offering funding for internships that address labor shortages and provide valuable skill development opportunities.
Workforce Development Stream Grant - Detailed Overview
The Workforce Development Stream grant administered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is designed to enhance the workforce in Northern Ontario by supporting businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations in offering internship opportunities. Through this grant, eligible entities can receive funding to cover a portion of interns' salaries and Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for a limited-term internship position lasting 52 weeks.
Eligible candidates for the internship positions include new entrants to the workforce, individuals transitioning to new careers, or those who are unemployed or underemployed seeking opportunities in new fields. The grant aims to provide financial support for internships that contribute to addressing labor shortages, developing skilled trades, and professions in Northern Ontario, and potentially leading to full-time employment.
Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations that have been operational for at least one year and have a minimum of one full-time employee can apply for the Workforce Development Stream grant. Funding is provided as a conditional contribution, covering up to 90% of an intern's salary and MERCs for municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profits, and up to 50% for businesses, with a maximum amount of $35,000 per year.
The evaluation criteria for the grant applications include the extent to which the internship addresses labor shortages, the potential for the position to lead to permanent jobs, the quality of skill development opportunities, and the effectiveness of the work/training plan and supervision methods. Additionally, organizations must ensure fair and transparent selection processes for interns, provide direct onsite supervision, and adhere to program requirements.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, evaluation process, and funding details outlined in the grant guidelines to maximize their chances of securing funding for internship positions. By partnering with the NOHFC through the Workforce Development Stream grant, Northern Ontario businesses and organizations can cultivate a skilled workforce and contribute to the economic growth and development of the region.
