People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain types of positions and employment opportunities to ensure alignment with its workforce development objectives.

• Positions that involve general, manual labor or require minimal training.
• Clerical positions focused on duties like answering phones, filing, or general office work.
• Retail and general sales positions.

Eligible expenses

This Workforce Development Stream grant facilitates building a stronger workforce in Northern Ontario through internships. The eligible projects focus on providing substantial work experience and skill development for new entrants, career transitioners, and the unemployed or underemployed individuals.

• Offering internships for new workforce entrants, career transitioners, or the unemployed or underemployed entering a new field.
• Providing apprenticeship internships that include necessary off-site training or education, with consideration for extended placement periods.
• Facilitating internships that support participants in achieving certifications, designations, or completing registered apprenticeships requiring more than 52 weeks of full-time experience.
• Developing positions that address labor shortages or bolster skilled trades and professions in Northern Ontario.
• Creating fair and transparent selection processes for recruiting suitable internship candidates.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to enterprises and organizations based in Northern Ontario, emphasizing local workforce development through strategic partnerships. Funding is designed to support eligible projects by applying targeted expertise and financial resources.

• Businesses established within the Northern Ontario region.
• Municipal entities operating in Northern Ontario.
• Indigenous communities located in Northern Ontario.
• Not-for-profit organizations serving communities in Northern Ontario.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria focused on addressing workforce needs and skill development 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.

• Step 1: Assess Eligibility
  • Ensure your organization qualifies as a business, municipality, Indigenous community, or not-for-profit in Northern Ontario.
  • Verify that you have been in operation for at least one year and employ a minimum of one full-time employee.
  • Confirm that the proposed internship meets eligibility criteria for candidates and project costs.
• Step 2: Internship Planning
  • Develop a detailed work/training plan for the internship position.
  • Prepare a job description outlining skills development and supervision strategies.
• Step 3: Application Preparation
  • Gather necessary documents and information such as insurance certificates, project budgets, and proof of existing employment structure.
  • Ensure all documents comply with NOHFC program requirements.
• Step 4: Job Advertisement
  • Post the internship position in at least one public forum to demonstrate a fair and transparent selection process.
  • Collect proof of job posting, including opening and closing dates.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Access the NOHFC application portal and complete the online application form.
  • Upload all required documents, including the project proposal, job description, and proof of job advertisement.
  • Submit your application before the funding round deadline.
• Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
  • Receive confirmation of submission from NOHFC.
  • Track your application status and be prepared to provide additional information if requested by NOHFC.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Applicants must demonstrate proof of commercial general liability insurance with a certificate from their insurer.
• Applicants should ensure that the insurance policy includes NOHFC and its representatives as additional insureds.
• If hiring before receiving funding approval, applicants bear the financial risk if the application is declined.
• The selection process must be fair and transparent, requiring a public job advertisement.
• Exceptions to some conditions may apply for apprenticeship internships or small communities with limited labour bases.