Workforce Development Stream

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Workforce Development Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Workforce Development Stream is a Wage Subsidies And Interns

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Workforce Development Stream?

Workforce Development Stream is funded by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

Q: Who is eligible for the Workforce Development Stream program?

To be eligible for the Workforce Development Stream program, you must: • The applicant must be located in Northern Ontario. • The organization must have been in operation for at least one year. • The entity must have a minimum of one full-time employee.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Workforce Development Stream?

You can contact Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

Q: Where is the Workforce Development Stream available?

The Workforce Development Stream program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Workforce Development Stream program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Workforce Development Stream program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Northern Ontario internships bolster workforce through strategic partnerships

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Workforce Development Stream provides funding to support the growth of Northern Ontario's workforce through the creation of internship opportunities. This program assists both public and private sector organizations with activities related to hiring interns and building workforce capacity, with the maximum funding amount determined by project specifics.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers various financing modalities to support the development of the workforce in Northern Ontario through internships, ensuring organizations can build partnerships and provide skill-development opportunities. Funding is structured to accommodate different types of eligible organizations and ensure the effective use of resources.

For eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations, funding is provided as a conditional contribution covering up to 90% of an intern’s salary and employer’s Mandatory Employment Related Costs, with a cap of $35,000 per year.
For eligible businesses, the funding support is a conditional contribution covering up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s Mandatory Employment Related Costs, also capped at $35,000 per year.
Combined funding from this program with other government sources generally should not exceed 50% of eligible costs for businesses or 90% for municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations.
The final funding decision is at the discretion of the NOHFC Board of Directors, recognizing that not all qualifying projects will receive financial support due to limited funds.
An extended placement period for apprenticeships may allow reimbursement for 52 weeks over up to 18 months to accommodate necessary educational components, although reimbursement only covers these 52 weeks.
Eligible businesses that require interns to complete more than 52 weeks for certifications or apprenticeships can apply for a separate second-year funding.

Activities funded

This program aims to support workforce development in Northern Ontario by funding internship positions that provide skill-building opportunities. Eligible projects focus on sponsoring specific internship roles that meet program criteria and address regional labour needs.

Funding for internship salaries and employer's portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for 52-week positions.
Apprenticeship internships with extended placement periods for necessary off-site training, with reimbursement limited to 52 weeks of work.
Internship positions designed to address labour shortages in skilled trades or professions in Northern Ontario.
Opportunities for internships that could lead to full-time, permanent employment.
Internship roles providing skill development and recognizable transferrable skills aligning with a developed work/training plan.
Support for two internship positions per organization, with additional research positions for eligible institutions.
Internship positions that require professional experience necessary for certification, designation, or registered apprenticeship, with potential for a two-year engagement.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 19,000

Graphic design internship for non-profit's rebranding

$ 17,500

Environmental research internship at Vancouver Coastal Conservation

$ 28,000

Software development internship to upgrade internal systems

$ 24,000

Apprenticeship internship in carpentry

$ 25,000

Lab assistant internship in biotech research

$ 21,000

Marketing internship to support local entrepreneurs

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant requires compliance with specific operational and employment standards.

The applicant must be a business, municipality, Indigenous community, or not-for-profit organization located in Northern Ontario.
The organization must have been in operation for at least one year.
The organization must employ a minimum of one full-time employee.

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.

Who is not eligible

This grant does not specify any additional exclusions based on company type or industry status beyond the outlined project and eligibility criteria. Therefore, the main activity of the company or industry itself is not explicitly restricted beyond compliance with the grant requirements.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports workforce development in Northern Ontario by funding internship opportunities. Eligible projects are designed to help new workforce entrants, career transitioners, and unemployed individuals gain meaningful experience.

Funding for salaries and wages for internship positions lasting 52 weeks with at least 35 hours of work per week.
Support for the employer's portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for eligible internships.
Internships that address labor shortages or foster the development of skilled trades or professions in Northern Ontario.
Apprenticeship internships that include necessary off-site training and educational requirements with an extended placement period.
Internships providing opportunities for full-time, permanent employment in Northern Ontario post-placement.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to organizations located in Northern Ontario. Eligible geographical areas are focused on strengthening the workforce in this region.

Northern Ontario

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on criteria that assess the potential impact and alignment with workforce development objectives.

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.

How to apply

Eligibility Assessment

Review the eligibility criteria for businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations.
Ensure your organization has been operational for at least one year and employs at least one full-time employee.

Project Planning

Define the internship position, ensuring it meets the criteria for labor shortage or skilled trade development in Northern Ontario.
Create a detailed work/training plan that highlights direct onsite supervision and specific skill development.
Prepare a budget outlining salary, wages, and the employer's portion of MERCs for the internship position.

Job Posting and Recruitment

Publicly advertise the internship position to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
Gather evidence of the job posting, including dates and platforms.

Application Preparation

Gather needed documentation such as proof of insurance, job posting evidence, and business operation details.
Complete the NOHFC application forms, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.

Submission of Application

Submit the completed application and all supporting documents to the NOHFC through their designated submission platform or method.
Ensure submission before any specified deadlines.

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Receive acknowledgment of your application submission from NOHFC.
Retain any confirmation numbers or emails for your records.
Prepare for any follow-up questions or additional documentation requests from NOHFC.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Internships must have a fair and transparent selection process, with proof required, such as job postings.
Hiring immediate family members is generally not allowed, with possible exceptions in areas with limited labor bases.
Interns must receive direct onsite supervision throughout their internships.
Internship positions are intended to develop specific, recognizable, and transferable skills.
Insurance obligations include maintaining commercial general liability insurance with specified coverage.
Combining NOHFC funding with other public funding is allowed but must adhere to specified contribution limits.
Successful applicants are required to demonstrate insurance coverage aligned with NOHFC guidelines.

Documents and links

Workforce Development Stream

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Workforce Development Stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Workforce Development Stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.