Youth Job Connection

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant is not available to certain entities based on their organizational status and funding sources. The restrictions ensure that the program is allocated to sectors that meet specific criteria.

• The federal government is not eligible for the Youth Job Connection or Youth Job Connection Summer programs.
• Entities already receiving other government financial support for the same position are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

This grant provides benefits to employers who hire young people by offering financial incentives and ongoing support. These programs are designed to assist with hiring and training costs while providing job coaching to both employer and employee.

• Obtaining financial incentives through the Youth Job Connection program, aimed at individuals aged 15 to 29.
• Acquiring financial incentives through the Youth Job Connection Summer program for hiring youth aged 15 to 18 during the summer.
• Receiving financial incentives for on-the-job training participants via the Employment Service program.
• Securing a placement incentive for the hiring, registering, and training of an apprentice through the Apprenticeship Employer Signing Bonus.

Eligible geographic areas

The grant provides financial incentives to support the hiring and training of young workers.

• Financial incentives for hiring and training young employees through the Youth Job Connection program.
• Support for training participants in job placements through the Employment Service program.
• Placement incentives to hire, register, and train an apprentice.
• Additional financial assistance to offset training expenses.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria include:

• Licensed to operate in Ontario
• Compliance with workplace, human rights, and labor legislation
• Having workplace safety and liability insurance
• Offering job opportunities in Ontario

• Step 1: Request an Appointment
  • Contact Employment Ontario to set up a meeting with a job coach specific to the Employment Service, Youth Job Connection, or Youth Job Connection Summer program.
  • You can make the appointment request through phone, email or the live chat service.
  • Use the provided contact numbers or email to make the appointment:
  • Phone: 416-326-5656
  • Toll-free: 1-800-387-5656
  • TTY: 1-866-533-6339
  • Email: contactEO@ontario.ca
  • Live chat available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
• Step 2: Consultation with Job Coach
  • Meet with the Employment Ontario job coach to discuss your needs and how to proceed with the application for hiring a young person.
  • Work with the job coach to determine the appropriate program and the level of financial support available based on your requirements and the candidate's skills.
• Step 3: Application Preparation
  • Gather required information and documentation to verify your eligibility, such as proof of licensing to operate in Ontario and compliance with relevant legislation.
  • Prepare details of the job opportunities you are planning to offer.
• Step 4: Submit Application
  • Follow the guidance provided by the Employment Ontario job coach on how to formally submit the application for hiring a young person through the designated program.
  • Ensure all required documents and information are included in your submission.

Here are additional relevant details for this program:

• You can benefit from the support of job coaches who provide ongoing assistance to both employers and young employees.
• A placement incentive is available for hiring, registering, and training an apprentice, known as the Apprenticeship Employer Signing Bonus.