Workforce Development Stream
ON, Canada
The intent of the Workforce Development Stream is to strengthen and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce through business partnerships by offering internships.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
For eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations, funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 90% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
For eligible businesses, funding is in the form of a conditional contribution of up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
NOHFC funding under this program, when combined with other provincial and federal government sources, will generally not exceed 50% of eligible costs for businesses and 90% of eligible costs for municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations.
Funding for each project is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, and limited funding is available. Not all projects meeting the criteria will necessarily receive funding.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to entities situated in Northern Ontario. Eligible geographical areas are restricted to ensure the development and strengthening of the local workforce within this region.
- Businesses operated in Northern Ontario.
- Municipalities within Northern Ontario.
- Indigenous communities located in Northern Ontario.
- Not-for-profit organizations based in Northern Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$19,000
Graphic design internship for non-profit's rebranding
$17,500
Environmental research internship at Vancouver Coastal Conservation
$24,000
Apprenticeship internship in carpentry
$28,000
Software development internship to upgrade internal systems
$25,000
Lab assistant internship in biotech research
$21,000
Marketing internship to support local entrepreneurs
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific eligible expenses related to internships for workforce development.
- Salaries/wages for 52 weeks of a limited-term internship position (minimum 35 hours per week).
- Employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) such as Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, and mandatory minimum vacation pay as per Employment Standards Act.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Boost Your Workforce with the Workforce Development Stream
This grant stream aims to support businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario by funding internship positions that enhance workforce skills and professional development. By offering financial assistance for eligible internships, it seeks to address labour shortages and strengthen the regional economic fabric.
Understanding the Workforce Development Stream in Northern Ontario
The Workforce Development Stream, administered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is designed to fortify the workforce landscape of Northern Ontario through strategic internships. Its primary focus is to bridge the gap between the existing skills in the workforce and the demands of the evolving market, thereby helping reduce unemployment and underemployment in the region. This initiative not only fosters partnerships among various entities in Northern Ontario but also supports the professional growth of individuals who are new to the workforce or are venturing into new career paths.
The eligibility criteria set by the program ensures that only those organizations that have been operational for at least a year, with a minimum staff of one full-time employee, can apply. This ensures a robust foundation for the interns who are likely to benefit from a well-established organizational environment. Moreover, by focusing on candidates who are either new to the workforce or seeking a career transition, the program aims to maximize the impact of skill development opportunities.
This program is comprehensive, covering a broad array of costs associated with hiring an intern, such as salaries and Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs). However, it does maintain stringent criteria for eligibility and evaluation, underscoring the importance of having a clear plan for skill development and professional supervision. For instance, the funding could cover up to 90% of these costs for municipalities and not-for-profits, while businesses could receive up to 50% support, thereby ensuring a substantial easing of financial burdens on the participating entities.
One of the program's notable features is its commitment to providing quality training and supervision, which can significantly boost the intern's employability. Companies are therefore encouraged to present internships that promise a robust learning curve, direct onsite supervision, and the potential to translate into a full-time, permanent role. In this way, the benefits are twofold: employers reap the benefits of a tentative workforce bolstered by fresh insights and skills, while employees gain a career foothold and relevant professional experience.
An essential point the grant emphasizes is transparency and fairness in the hiring process. Applicants must demonstrate that their recruitment process was fair and competitive. This approach helps ensure that talented interns who meet all criteria are given the opportunity to flourish within the program. Additionally, provisions to extend placement periods for apprentices reflect the program's adaptability to the unique requirements of certification or apprenticeship-driven roles.
Furthermore, the Workforce Development Stream is a strategic mechanism in addressing regional skill shortages and fostering growth in skilled trades and professions that are crucial to Northern Ontario's economic sustainability. By supporting around 52 weeks of active employment and offering the possibility of extensions, the program continues to cater to the immediate needs while facilitating long-term economic and community growth.
Conclusively, whether you are a small business, a large municipal entity, or a not-for-profit organization, this grant offers an unparalleled avenue to enhance your workforce. By participating, organizations not only contribute to the economic health of Northern Ontario but also ensure that their operations are reinforced with capable and dynamic teams ready to meet market demands.
