Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program
Gatineau, Canada
Funding to support employers toward economic recovery
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 15, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 18, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program offers funding of up to $50,000,000 to support projects aimed at addressing current and emerging workforce needs across key sectors of the Canadian economy. Eligible activities include training and reskilling workers, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, and implementing creative solutions to meet labor market demands.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant as outlined in the fund description.
- Training and Reskilling
- Solutions for Employers
- Sector-wide Standards and Tools
- Creative Solutions
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$160,000
Vancouver
Establishing a skill-building hub for new immigrants
$100,000
Montreal
Creating a specialized reskilling program for hospitality workers
$150,000
Calgary
Launching a tech reskilling initiative for laid-off workers
$120,000
Windsor
Developing an advanced reskilling program for aging automotive workers
$60,000
Waterloo
Implementing a mentorship program for women in tech
$75,000
Toronto
Training Indigenous youth in digital marketing skills
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To apply for funding, organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a certain type of organization and demonstrating certain capacities and knowledge. The projects must also adhere to specific requirements focused on policy areas, participant and employer targets, and inclusion principles.
- Must be one of the following: Not-for-profit organization, For-profit organization, Municipal government, Indigenous organization, Provincial or territorial government body.
- Capacity and readiness to establish a project quickly and demonstrate prompt activities.
- In-depth knowledge of sector-specific labour market issues and needs.
- Established partnerships with national, provincial, and/or regional sectoral stakeholders.
- Completed and submitted application by March 18, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
- Requested between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in funding.
- Targeted a minimum of 250 participants (for training or transition initiatives).
- Targeted a minimum of 50 employers participating and/or benefitting from the project.
- Described measures to embed diversity and inclusion in project design, activities, and results.
- Provided or funded the provision of wraparound supports to participants facing barriers, particularly equity-deserving groups.
- Had in-kind and/or cash contributions from other sources than ESDC equal to or more than 10% of the total project costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program allows applications from various types of organizations to support workforce development needs in key economic sectors. Eligible applicants must demonstrate readiness and capacity to implement large-scale, high-impact projects focusing on training, workforce development, and other sectoral solutions.
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Municipal governments
- Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities)
- Provincial or territorial government bodies (institutions, agencies, Crown corporations)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses mentioned for this grant.
- Training and reskilling activities
- Wage training subsidies
- Worker transition activities
- Credential or certification programs
- Work-integrated learning or placements
- Job matching and recruitment activities
- Provision of wraparound supports for participants
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible geographic zones for this grant include national projects with activities occurring in at least 3 provinces/territories, or regional projects in a specific province/territory, major economic hub, or key sector-based cluster. Regional projects must address sectoral workforce needs and will be prioritized if they pursue more than one of the four identified project activities.
- National projects: Activities in at least 3 provinces/territories
- Regional projects: Activities in a specific province/territory
- Major economic hubs
- Key sector-based clusters
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, evaluation and selection criteria are provided for this grant. The criteria focus on organizational capacity, project objectives, project activities, project results, and cost effectiveness.
- Demonstrate that your organization has the knowledge of the specific skills issues in your sector (or across multiple sectors) required for this project
- Describe your current partnerships at the national, provincial, and/or regional levels (including cross-sectoral partners) that would demonstrate your ability to carry out this project
- Demonstrate that your organization has recent experience, within the last 5 years, delivering initiatives that support skills and workforce development
- Demonstrate that your organization has effective governance structures, including oversight committees, to support project management
- Identify and clearly state which of the three policy priority areas your project will focus on and clearly identify the primary one and any secondary ones
- Describe what issue(s) your project will address, in which sector(s), and how its project objectives will be achieved
- Demonstrate how your proposal will increase the participation of equity-deserving groups in your sector or sectors and include diversity and inclusion principles in the design
- Identify and clearly state which of the following four types of project activities will be included in your project:
- Training and Reskilling
- Solutions for Employers
- Sector-wide Standards and Tools
- Creative Solutions
- Provide a clear and relevant description of the project activities
- Provide clear and feasible timelines to complete the project activities
- Describe how the partner(s) will be involved in this project
- If applicable, describe how Provincial and Territorial Governments will be engaged
- Describe how the sector(s) will benefit from the project
- Describe the expected results of your project. They must be specific, concrete and measurable
- Describe how you plan to gather, measure and report on results achieved by your project
- Provide a brief and clear justification of how you intend to use the project funds
- Demonstrate that the costs are reasonable and support the project activities
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Gather your supporting documents and information
- Completed application form (PDF format)
- Completed Budget detail template (PDF format)
- Letter from partner(s)
- Step 2: Decide how to apply (online, email or mail)
- Apply online
- Create a Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account
- Read the applicant guide to complete your application form. This guide includes details for each question of the form
- Complete the Budget detail template (PDF Format)
- Apply by email
- Read the applicant guide to complete your application form. This guide includes details for each question of the form
- Complete the Application for funding (EMP5523) and the Budget detail template (PDF Format)
- Sign the appropriate section of the Application for funding and provide a scanned copy of the signed page with the other documents
- Send by email to PSMS_OUVERT-SWSP_OPEN@servicecanada.gc.ca
- If you are unable to scan the required section, or any other documents, you can mail them to the address below. Clearly indicate in your email if you are mailing the other documents
- Apply by mail
- Read the applicant guide to complete your application form. This guide includes details for each question of the form
- Complete the Application for funding (EMP5523) and the Budget detail template (PDF Format)
- Print, sign and mail the documents
- Mailing address: Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Coordination Unit Mailstop 402 National Grants & Contributions Delivery Centre (ESDC) 140 Promenade du Portage Phase IV 4th Floor Gatineau QC K1A 0J9
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant program required organizations to adhere to certain conditions and requirements, especially if operating in Quebec, and emphasized the importance of partnerships and diversity.
- The Quebec National Assembly's Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30) applies to entities wanting to contract with the federal government.
- Only one application per eligible organization was allowed.
- Projects needed to show measures to support equity-deserving groups and provide wraparound supports if necessary.
- The funding process emphasized collaboration with sectoral stakeholders and the inclusion of provincial or territorial governments.
grant_single_labels|contact
PSMS_OUVERT-SWSP_OPEN@servicecanada.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) Grant
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) provides significant financial support for key sectors in Canada to tackle workforce needs through training, reskilling, and other industry-driven solutions. This program aims to address labour market challenges in sectors vital for Canada's economic recovery post-pandemic, focusing on clean economy, hardest-hit sectors, and health care.
Overview of the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) Grant
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) is an initiative by Employment and Social Development Canada designed to support the development and implementation of solutions for current and emerging workforce needs across various key sectors. The overarching goal is to foster a robust economic recovery by addressing the skills and employment requirements of workers and employers. Here is an in-depth look into the SWSP, its objectives, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Funding Description
The SWSP offers substantial financial backing ranging from $5,000,000 to $50,000,000 for projects aimed at addressing workforce challenges. Notably, projects centered on the health care sector are exempt from the minimum funding level.
Objectives
The primary objective of the SWSP is to provide organizations with the resources needed to implement significant industry solutions to tackle skills and employment challenges. The program focuses on three main policy priority areas: 1. **Building Talent for the Clean Economy:** Supporting Canada’s Climate Action Plan by addressing workforce development needs in sectors contributing to environmental protection and low-carbon economy. 2. **Supporting Demand-Driven Solutions for Sectors Hardest Hit by the Pandemic:** Rapidly establishing initiatives to support workforce needs in sectors crucial to recovery post-pandemic. 3. **Investing in the Health Care Sector:** Addressing labour shortages, mobility, mental health needs, and the integration of internationally trained professionals within the health care sector.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SWSP grant, organizations need to meet certain eligibility requirements focusing on the type of applicant, recipient readiness, project scope, and the inclusion of diversity principles.
Eligible Applicants
Organizations eligible to apply must be one of the following: - Not-for-profit organizations - For-profit organizations - Municipal governments - Indigenous organizations (band councils, tribal councils, self-government entities) - Provincial or territorial government bodies (institutions, agencies, Crown corporations)
Eligible Recipients
Eligible recipients are those organizations that can demonstrate: - Capacity and readiness to quickly establish and undertake project activities - In-depth knowledge of sector-specific skills issues, labour market needs, and forecasts - Established partnerships with national, provincial, and/or regional stakeholders to ensure projects are employer or industry-driven
Eligible Projects
The projects must adhere to the following criteria: - Completed and submitted by the specified deadline - Requested funding between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 (except for health care-focused projects) - Focused on at least one of the identified policy areas, - Targeted a minimum of 250 participants for those delivering training or transition initiatives - Targeted a minimum of 50 employers benefitting from the project - Included measures to embed diversity and inclusion - Provided wraparound supports for participants facing barriers to participation - Secured in-kind or cash contributions from sources other than ESDC equal to or more than 10% of the total project costs (except for health care sector projects)
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
Organizational Capacity
- Demonstrating sector-specific knowledge of skills and labour market issues. - Highlighting recent experience in delivering skills and workforce development initiatives. - Showcasing effective governance structures.
Project Objectives
- Clearly stating the policy priority areas addressed by the project. - Describing the specific sector and issues addressed, and how objectives will be achieved. - Integrating diversity and inclusion to boost participation from equity-deserving groups.
Project Activities
- Identifying the types of project activities: Training and Reskilling, Solutions for Employers, Sector-wide Standards and Tools, Creative Solutions. - Providing a description of activities and involved partners, including provincial and territorial governments.
Project Results
- Describing how the sector will benefit and expected results. - Providing concrete, measurable outcomes. - Outlining methods for gathering, measuring, and reporting results.
Cost Effectiveness
- Justifying the utilization of project funds. - Ensuring costs are reasonable and support project activities.
Steps to Apply
The application procedure requires gathering supporting documents, choosing a method of submission, and completing necessary forms.
Supporting Documents and Information
- Completed application form - Budget detail template - Partner letters Applicants must be prepared to submit a letter confirming cash or in-kind contributions from other sources if selected.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply online, by email, or via mail:
Apply Online
1. Create a Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account. 2. Complete the application form following the applicant guide. 3. Submit the Budget detail template.
Apply by Email
1. Complete the application form and Budget detail template. 2. Sign the application form and scan the signed page. 3. Send by email to the specified address.
Apply by Mail
1. Complete the application form and Budget detail template. 2. Print, sign, and mail the documents to the designated address.
After You’ve Applied
Online Applicants
Receive an automatic confirmation of receipt.
Email Applicants
Receive an automatic confirmation of receipt by email.
Mail Applicants
Receive a confirmation of receipt by email within 21 days using the provided email address.
Contact Us
For any queries or accessibility requests, applicants were required to make their submissions before the specified deadlines. Information sessions were also held to provide detailed guidance. The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) represents a significant opportunity for organizations to access substantial funding aimed at tackling workforce challenges in key sectors. By aligning projects with Canada’s strategic priorities, businesses and organizations can contribute to a resilient and inclusive economic recovery. By carefully following the eligibility criteria and providing a well-documented application, applicants can enhance their chances of securing funding and making a meaningful impact within their sectors.