Benefits for Employers

Employers who participate may benefit from:

• Financial assistance to support employee training and development
• Access to pre-screened candidates
• Reduced recruitment and onboarding costs
• Ongoing support from Employment North staff
• Opportunities to develop a skilled and productive workforce
• Assistance with workforce planning and retention

Please note: Individuals must be approved and registered in the program before starting employment or training with an employer.

Employer Eligibility

To participate in a funded work placement or training opportunity, employers must:

• Operate legally and be authorized to conduct business in Ontario
• Provide employment opportunities within Ontario
• Be able to offer meaningful training, mentorship, and workplace supervision
• Place participants on the company payroll and provide wages, working conditions, and benefits consistent with other employees in similar positions
• Comply with all applicable workplace legislation, including:
  • Employment Standards Act
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • Human Rights legislation
• Maintain appropriate workplace safety coverage, including WSIB or equivalent insurance
• Carry adequate business liability insurance
• Comply with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements
• Ensure the placement does not displace existing employees or replace workers on layoff
• Not receive duplicate funding for the same training placement from another source

Boréal SSM – IES Program Guidelines pg. 65

12.3.1 Employer Eligibility Criteria

• To qualify for financial support through the Employer Program, employers must meet the following requirements:
• Be licensed to operate in Ontario.
• Comply with all applicable laws and maintain appropriate insurance.
• Not use funding to hire family member
• Not receive other government funding for the same job placement.
• Funding cannot be used for positions internal to the SP or affiliated businesses, including salaries or compensation for staff employed by the SP or its affiliates.
• Maintain appropriate WSIB coverage or alternate workplace safety insurance, along with adequate third-party general liability insurance as advised by its insurance broker.
• Not use financial supports to replace existing employees or for rehiring laid-off staff.

Let’s Build Your Workforce Together

Whether you’re looking to fill a vacancy, train a new employee, or strengthen your workforce, Employment North can help you explore available hiring and training supports.

Our Job Developers work directly with employers to identify workforce needs, connect qualified candidates with opportunities, and provide guidance throughout the hiring process.

Contact Employment North’s Job Development Team in South River or Gravenhurst to learn more about available employer supports and determine whether your organization may qualify.

Looking to Hire?

Employment North can help you recruit, train, and retain employees while accessing programs designed to support workforce development and business growth.

Let’s find the right candidate for your team.