Hiring and training skilled workers in Northern Ontario can be challenging. The NOHFC Workforce Development Program helps employers offset the cost of bringing on new talent through funded internships of up to one year. If your organization is based in Northern Ontario and needs support to build workforce capacity, this program can cover a large share of intern wages and mandatory employment costs.
The Workforce Development Program is delivered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and is available under public and private streams, depending on your organization type.
Both streams support limited-term internship positions designed to help people enter or re-enter the workforce while helping employers address skills gaps.
To apply, your organization must:
Immediate family members of owners or directors cannot be hired, except in small Northern communities with limited labour availability.
Intern candidates must:
The NOHFC Workforce Development Program supports:
Discretionary benefits like sick pay or extended health plans are not eligible. Training costs, equipment, travel, and positions that displace existing employees are also excluded.
Funding amounts are set on a project-by-project basis. The NOHFC Board reviews each application and approves funding at its discretion, rather than publishing a fixed maximum.
Applying is straightforward, but preparation matters.
NOHFC runs separate public and private program streams, each with its own application portal:
Make sure you select the correct stream before starting.
Your internship must:
Clerical, retail, manual labour, and low-training roles are not eligible.
You will need:
If you’re unsure whether your organization or role meets NOHFC criteria, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check requirements before you apply.
Applications are submitted directly through the NOHFC website. There is no fixed annual deadline, but funding is limited and applications are assessed on a rolling basis.
NOHFC reviews applications and makes funding decisions internally. You must wait for written approval before starting the internship or incurring eligible costs.
Hiring the intern before approval
Costs incurred before written NOHFC approval are not eligible for reimbursement.
Proposing a low-skill position
Roles without clear training or career development are often rejected.
Missing intern eligibility rules
Candidates who previously participated in an NOHFC internship are not eligible.
Using unfair recruitment practices
NOHFC expects open, transparent hiring, even in small communities.
Q: How much funding does the NOHFC Workforce Development Program provide?
Funding amounts are not fixed. NOHFC determines support on a case-by-case basis. The amount depends on the role, wages, and available program funding.
Q: Are MERCs covered under the program?
Yes. The employer’s portion of mandatory employment-related costs, such as CPP and EI, is eligible.
Q: How long can an NOHFC-funded internship last?
Internships can last up to 52 weeks and must be at least 35 hours per week.
Q: Can an organization hire more than one intern?
Most organizations can hire up to two interns. Colleges and research institutions may be eligible for more, depending on capacity and approval.
Q: Is NOHFC internship funding taxable?
Funding is generally considered government assistance and may affect your tax reporting. Speak with your accountant for guidance.
For more options, GrantHub tracks workforce and training grant programs across Canada, helping employers compare eligibility and funding.
The NOHFC Workforce Development Program is a reliable way for Northern Ontario employers to reduce hiring risk and build long-term skills. Before you apply, confirm your eligibility, define a strong internship role, and prepare your recruitment plan. Employers can use GrantHub to compare NOHFC with other Ontario and federal workforce programs, making it easier to focus your time on the applications most likely to get approved.
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