
People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream
- Open continuously
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Develop workforce skills
- Maximum amount : 35,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Ontario
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
- All structures
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
Next steps
Activities funded
The Workforce Development Stream encourages partnerships among businesses in Northern Ontario by funding internship positions that address local labor shortages and advance professional skill development. Projects eligible for this grant contribute to the growth of Northern Ontario's workforce by supporting new entrants, career transitioners, and the unemployed or underemployed.
- Funding salaries and mandatory employment-related costs for 52-week internships.
- Creating opportunities for individuals not previously involved in NOHFC-funded internships.
- Offering positions that address labor shortages or develop skilled trades or professions in Northern Ontario.
- Supporting projects leading to potential full-time, permanent employment.
- Developing structured work and training plans with direct onsite supervision.
- Providing support for eligible apprenticeships with necessary off-site training, accommodating extended placement periods.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario that have been in operation for at least one year and have a minimum of one full-time employee are eligible to apply for the Workforce Development Stream grant.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.
Additional information
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream Program
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