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Workforce Development Stream
Northern Ontario internships bolster workforce through strategic partnerships
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
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.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
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
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.
What is the Workforce Development Stream?
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.
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.
What expenses are eligible under Workforce Development Stream?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Workforce Development Stream?
You can contact Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
Where is the Workforce Development Stream available?
The Workforce Development Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Workforce Development Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Workforce Development Stream is a Wage Subsidies And Interns
Who are the financial supporters of the Workforce Development Stream?
Workforce Development Stream is funded by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)