SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot
ON, Canada
Employment and training services
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 24, 2020
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 24, 2020
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Colleges and Universities
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Gain access to employment and training services required to recruit and advance workers with the right essential, technical, and employability skills.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Employment Status Questionnaire (ESQ) aims to collect data on client employment outcomes and is utilized broadly across different programs, such as Integrated Employment Services, SkillsAdvance Ontario, and the Ontario Bridge Training Program, among others.
- Collecting information on clients' employment status at completion and follow-ups
- Capturing details about employment gained including full-time, part-time, seasonal, salary, etc.
- Gathering client’s perceptions and experiences with the services they received
- Using satisfaction ratings to assess the quality of services provided
- Tracking outcomes over specific intervals (e.g., 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after exit)
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$65,000
Hamilton
Launch a mentorship program for youth entering the skilled trades
$90,000
Vancouver
Program for the professional integration of recent immigrants in healthcare
$70,000
Winnipeg
Expand vocational training for indigenous youth in technology
$80,000
Toronto
Develop training programs for new software developers to ensure job readiness
$55,000
Ottawa
Create an internship program for students in environmental sciences
$95,000
Calgary
Offer retraining programs for workers displaced by automation in manufacturing
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant are based on specific employment status categories and conditions as outlined in the Employment Status Questionnaire (ESQ) guide.
- Clients must be registered in an Employment Ontario program.
- Clients must meet the criteria outlined in their specific program guidelines (e.g., Integrated Employment Services, Ontario Job Creation Partnerships).
- For incumbent workers: They must be participating in training from their home position or sent by their employers to take training provided by a training provider.
- Clients must be at designated follow-ups such as completion/exit, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after program intervention.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible companies for the Canada-Ontario Job Grant can include a variety of businesses looking to upskill their employees through training programs. Specific requirements or types of companies are not explicitly mentioned in this guide, but generally, these can be any employers seeking to improve job performance or advance the career prospects of their workers.
- Employers of any size, representing all sectors and industries
- Employers wishing to provide training for current or new employees
- Businesses interested in enhancing the skills of their workforce
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is eligible for entities located across multiple regions in Ontario, Canada. The specific geographic zones include:
- Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include: - Alignment of proposed project with the objectives of the SkillsAdvance Ontario pilot project. - Demonstrated capacity to engage employers and provide employment and training services. - Clarity and feasibility of the proposed project plan. - Ability to recruit and advance workers with essential, technical, and employability skills. - Potential impact on workforce development in key growth sectors. If there are no evaluation and selection criteria mentioned for this grant, the answer will be "nothing."
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Identify eligible EO program
- Step 2: Register client in an Employment Ontario program
- Step 3: Ensure client completes the program
- Step 4: Administer the Employment Status Questionnaire (ESQ) verbally or electronically at exit/completion
- Step 5: Conduct follow-up interviews at required intervals (e.g., 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 months) post-exit/completion
- Step 6: Collect and record data on employment outcomes and client satisfaction
- Step 7: Analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and client progress
- Step 8: Submit collected data and analyses to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant includes multiple follow-up intervals for collecting data and has different categories and guidelines for various programs.
- Incumbent workers are a focus for COJG and SAO programs.
- Uses skip-logic to ensure relevance in questioning.
- ESQ Guide updated in April 2024 with formatting and content changes.
- Evaluation includes specific checkpoints for satisfaction and retention.
- Specific questions vary by program, modified for different training and employment scenarios.
- Available both electronically and verbally by ministry and service providers.
- Different satisfaction scales for IES and other programs.
Apply to this program
SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant
The SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO) Pilot Grant, administered by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, is designed to support workforce development and job training initiatives. Its primary objective is to enhance employability and address skills mismatches, thereby fostering economic growth and stability in Ontario.
Detailed Overview of the SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant
The SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO) Pilot Grant is a significant initiative funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. This grant program was specifically developed to address the evolving needs of Ontario's workforce by providing targeted training and employment services. The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance the skills of participants and align their qualifications with current labor market demands, ultimately improving their employability and contributing to economic growth in the province.
Launched to respond to the dynamic and rapidly changing economic landscape, the SAO Pilot Grant focuses on helping individuals gain the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment in various high-demand sectors. The grant targets a wide range of participants, including unemployed and underemployed individuals, marginalized communities, and incumbent workers who are seeking to upgrade their skills.
Objectives and Goals
The primary objectives of the SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant are:
- Enhancing Employability: By providing targeted training programs, the grant aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to secure and maintain employment in high-demand sectors.
- Addressing Skills Mismatches: The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between the current skills of the workforce and the skills required by employers, thereby addressing skills mismatches in the labor market.
- Supporting Economic Growth: By fostering a well-trained and adaptable workforce, the SAO Pilot Grant contributes to the overall economic stability and growth of Ontario.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: The grant emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that training opportunities are available to a diverse range of participants, including those from marginalized communities.
Eligibility and Target Audience
The SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant is aimed at a broad spectrum of participants, including:
- Unemployed and Underemployed Individuals: Those who are currently out of work or not fully employed and seeking to upgrade their skills to improve their job prospects.
- Incumbent Workers: Employees who are currently working but need additional training to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
- Marginalized Communities: Individuals from marginalized and disadvantaged communities who face barriers to employment and require targeted support to gain meaningful employment.
Components of the Grant Program
The SAO Pilot Grant encompasses several key components designed to provide comprehensive support to participants:
- Skills Training: Tailored training programs that focus on developing specific skills required by employers in high-demand sectors. These programs are often developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Employment Services: A range of employment services, including job placement, career counseling, resume building, and interview preparation, to support participants in securing employment.
- Workplace Experience: Opportunities for participants to gain practical experience through internships, co-op placements, and on-the-job training, bridging the gap between education and employment.
- Support Services: Additional support services, such as childcare, transportation, and mental health counseling, to help participants overcome barriers to training and employment.
Application Process
The application process for the SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant is designed to be straightforward and accessible:
- Determine Eligibility: Interested participants should first determine their eligibility for the grant by reviewing the criteria outlined on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s website.
- Prepare Application: Applicants should gather the necessary documents and information required for the application, including proof of residency, employment history, and any relevant educational qualifications.
- Submit Application: Applications can be submitted online through the official portal. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed and accurate information to facilitate the evaluation process.
- Evaluation and Approval: The applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and align with the objectives of the grant. Successful applicants will be notified of their approval and provided with further instructions on how to proceed.
- Program Enrollment: Approved participants will be enrolled in the relevant training programs and given access to the necessary employment and support services.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The success of the SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant is measured through ongoing monitoring and evaluation of participants and programs. Key performance indicators include:
- Training Completion Rates: The percentage of participants who successfully complete their training programs.
- Employment Outcomes: The number of participants who secure employment in their field of training after completing the program.
- Satisfaction Levels: Participant satisfaction with the training and support services provided, measured through surveys and feedback forms.
- Skills Improvement: The extent to which participants' skills have improved as a result of the training, assessed through pre- and post-training evaluations.
Impact and Benefits
The SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant has far-reaching impacts and benefits for individuals, employers, and the wider community:
- For Individuals: The grant provides participants with valuable skills and qualifications that enhance their employability and career prospects, leading to improved economic outcomes and better quality of life.
- For Employers: Employers benefit from having access to a pool of skilled and job-ready candidates who can meet their workforce needs and contribute to the growth and success of their businesses.
- For the Community: The grant supports the development of a vibrant and resilient local economy by addressing skills shortages and fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce, which is essential for economic growth and stability.
Conclusion
The SkillsAdvance Ontario Pilot Grant is a strategic initiative that addresses the pressing need for workforce development and skills enhancement in Ontario. By providing targeted training and comprehensive support services, the grant empowers individuals to achieve their career goals and contribute to the province's economic success. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development remains committed to ensuring the effectiveness of the SAO Pilot Grant and will continue to monitor and evaluate its impact to ensure it meets the evolving needs of Ontario's workforce.
