Workforce Development Stream
ON, Canada
Northern Ontario internships bolster workforce through strategic partnerships
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
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|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.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
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
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
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.
