Workforce Development Stream
The Workforce Development Program covers salaries/wages and the employer's portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for a limited-term 52-week internship position. It is open to 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 at least one full-time employee.
Offered by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
Amount
Businesses: 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 (up to 90% for municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations)
Quick eligibility check
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.
- All organizations are responsible for recruiting appropriate internship candidates.
- A fair and transparent selection process must be conducted by the organization for
each position. Exceptions may be made for apprenticeship internships.
- Organizations cannot hire immediate family members or relatives of owners and
directors. Exceptions may be made in smaller, Northern communities with a limited labour base.
- The intern must be provided with direct onsite supervision.
About the funding
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.
Show all funding details
Salaries/wages and employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) (e.g.: Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, mandatory minimum vacation pay, as per Employment Standards Act) for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks (with at least 35 hours of work per week) for candidates that:
- Are new entrants into the work force, are transitioning to a new career, or the
unemployed or underemployed who are entering a new field;
- Have not previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship;
- Are at least 18 years of age; and
- Reside, and be legally entitled to work, in Canada.
- An employer that hires an apprentice under a registered apprenticeship program is
eligible for funding provided that all program eligibility criteria are met.
An organization is eligible for two internship positions at a given time.
Colleges, universities and research institutions (as defined by NOHFC) may be eligible for up to up to five research positions, in addition to two regular internship positions.
Only eligible project costs for 52 weeks of work will be reimbursed under this program.
An extended placement period (up to 18 months) will be considered for apprenticeship internships to accommodate any necessary off-site training and/or educational requirements. Only 52 weeks of work are eligible for reimbursement within an extended placement.
An eligible business is potentially eligible for a two-year internship where the intern must complete a minimum number of hours of professional experience (greater than 52 weeks of full-time employment) for a certification, designation, or registered apprenticeship. A separate application for second-year funding is required.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Workforce Development Stream | Grant | Up to $52,500 | Open |
| Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream | Grant, Loan | Up to 15% of eligible project costs | Open |
| TalentEdge Fellowship Program (TFP) Stream | Grant | Up to $70,000 | Open |
| TalentEdge Internship Program (TIP) Stream | Grant | Up to $60,000 | Open |
