Understanding the Canada Job Grant & How it will Impact Ontario Businesses

The Sept. 26 announcement that Ontario employers can apply for Canada Job Grants to help citizens gain critical job skills and training continues to impact businesses as they gear up for the new year ahead.

The grant is an innovative, employer-driven approach to help Canadians gain the skills they need to fill the nation’s available jobs. Private-sector experts forecast employment in Ontario to grow by 1.3 percent in 2015. Additional skilled workers will be needed across the nation in the next decade, including:

  • 300,000 in construction.
  • 150,000 in the petroleum sector.
  • 145,000 in mining.

The Canada Job Grant has been designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, industries and regions. It provides up to $15,000 per person to cover training costs and materials. Up to $10,000 of this coverage comes from federal contributions. Training will encompass both classroom and on-the-job experience.

“By encouraging businesses to invest more in their employees, these new programs are an important step toward improving Ontario’s economic competitiveness,” noted Allan O’Dette, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “The Ontario government has engaged the business community in the design of these programs, and we are pleased that our advice has been taken.”

Initiatives Include Pilot Projects

Ontario also is launching Expressions of Interest (EOI) for two pilot projects: the Canada-Ontario Job Grant: Customized Training and the Canada-Ontario Job Grant: UpSkill. Employers’ opinions are being sought through the EOI process to help design the projects. Funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Job Grant. The programs are delivered by the Government of Ontario.

Colleges Gearing Up for a More Skilled Workforce

Preparations are under way at Ontario’s 24 public colleges to ensure that newly minted alumni are ready for a wide range of career options in today’s post-recession economy. Coincident with the implementation of the Canada Job Grant program, collegiate labour market programs such as Second Career are flourishing. Renewed emphasis is being placed on employment counselling, academic upgrading and apprenticeship training, serving more than 160,000 graduates each year.

  • More than 83 percent of these graduates find jobs within six months of leaving school.
  • More than 93 percent of employers report they are satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of Ontario graduates hired.

Employers can apply for the Canada Job Grant or find more information at the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website.

The future is bright for employers seeking to win the current competitive talent war. To stay current on related issues and their potential impact on your business, read our related posts or contact the recruiting experts at Employment Professionals Canada today.