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
Yes, projects or activities are eligible for this grant. The eligible projects include internship positions for new entrants into the workforce, individuals transitioning to a new career, or the unemployed/underemployed entering a new field. The projects must be for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks with at least 35 hours of work per week and meet specific criteria.
- Internship positions targeting new entrants, career transitioners, or unemployed/underemployed individuals
- Intern positions must be for a 52-week term with a minimum of 35 hours per week
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old, legally entitled to work in Canada, and have not participated in a NOHFC-funded internship previously
- Employers can hire apprentices under registered apprenticeship programs and may be eligible for extended placements or second-year funding under certain conditions
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$19,000
Ottawa
Graphic design internship for non-profit's rebranding
$17,500
Vancouver
Environmental research internship at Vancouver Coastal Conservation
$24,000
Calgary
Apprenticeship internship in carpentry
$28,000
Montreal
Software development internship to upgrade internal systems
$25,000
Halifax
Lab assistant internship in biotech research
$21,000
Toronto
Marketing internship to support local entrepreneurs
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant include 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. The projects eligible for funding are limited-term internship positions of 52 weeks for candidates who are new entrants into the workforce, transitioning to a new career, or unemployed/underemployed individuals.
- Must be a business, municipality, Indigenous community, or not-for-profit organization in Northern Ontario
- Operational for at least one year with a minimum of one full-time employee
- Internship positions of 52 weeks for eligible candidates entering the workforce, transitioning careers, or unemployed/underemployed
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old and legally entitled to work in Canada
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 for the Workforce Development Stream grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, eligible expenses for this grant include salaries/wages and employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks. Other eligible expenses may include apprenticeship internships, research positions, and extended placement periods up to 18 months.
- Salaries/wages for internship positions
- Employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs)
- Apprenticeship internships
- Research positions
- Extended placement periods up to 18 months
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation criteria include addressing labor shortages, potential for permanent job creation, skill development opportunities, and quality of work/training supervision.
- The extent to which the position addresses a labor 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 transferable skills
- The quality of the position’s work/training plan and direct onsite supervision methods
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria and program requirements
- Content: Understand the eligibility requirements for businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario.
- Implications: Ensure your organization meets the necessary criteria before proceeding with the application.
- Step 2: Prepare the required documentation
- Content: Gather necessary documents such as financial records, proof of operation, and other supporting materials.
- Implications: Ensure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date to support your application.
- Step 3: Complete the application form
- Content: Fill out the application form with detailed information about your organization, the internship position, and the intended outcomes.
- Implications: Provide clear and concise responses to demonstrate how your internship aligns with the program objectives.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Content: Submit the completed application form along with all required documentation to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
- Implications: Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline and according to the specified submission guidelines.
- Step 5: Await the funding decision
- Content: Wait for the NOHFC to review your application and make a funding decision based on the evaluation criteria.
- Implications: Be prepared to provide additional information if requested and monitor communication from the NOHFC regarding the status of your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Organizations must maintain necessary insurance coverage as per program requirements
- Organizations cannot hire interns before receiving funding approval
- A fair and transparent selection/hiring process is required
- Eligibility for a second-year internship depends on meeting specific criteria
Apply to this program
Workforce Development Stream Grant Summary
The Workforce Development Stream grant aims to enhance and cultivate Northern Ontario's workforce through collaborations with businesses by facilitating internships. Eligible entities include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario that have operated for at least one year and have a minimum of one full-time employee.
Workforce Development Stream Grant in Northern Ontario
The Workforce Development Stream grant, part of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is designed to bolster the region's workforce by offering internships with various organizations. Eligible participants, including businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations, can benefit from financial support for intern positions that cater to new entrants, career transitioners, and those seeking new opportunities in the workforce.
Businesses and organizations seeking to address labour shortages or develop skilled trades in Northern Ontario can apply for funding to support internship positions for a minimum of 52 weeks. The grant covers up to 90% of an intern's salary and employer's portion of employment-related costs for municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations, while businesses can receive up to 50% of these costs.
Empowering interns with transferrable skills, offering opportunities for full-time employment post-internship, and ensuring quality supervision and training plans are essential criteria for evaluating applications. The program does not fund discretionary benefits, training expenses, or positions that displace existing employees. Additionally, clear guidelines on fair selection processes, intern supervision, and insurance requirements are outlined to maintain transparency and compliance throughout the internship program.
Through the Workforce Development Stream grant, Northern Ontario organizations can foster talent, address workforce needs, and create pathways to sustainable employment for individuals seeking career growth and opportunities within the region.
