Ontario Job Creation Partnerships
Learn how you can participate in projects to gain skills, get work experience and increase your chances of finding long-term employment.
About the program
Eligible employers can apply for funding for projects that give work experience to unemployed Ontarians, help their community and benefit their local economy. Job seekers, also known as participants, can work on projects that:
- benefit the community or local economy
- add recent work experience to their resume
- develop or enhance employable skills
- provide networking opportunities
This experience may increase their chances of finding long-term employment.
Project requirements
Employers can sponsor a project that meets the following requirements:
- Participants must gain meaningful work experience that will increase the chances of finding long term, sustainable employment
- Projects must not be longer than 52 weeks
- The project activities must be distinct and not part of the organization’s normal day-to-day operations
- Activities must have a defined start and end date
Eligible employers
Eligible employers, also known as sponsors, include:
- businesses
- non-profit organizations
- municipalities
- Indigenous councils
- public health and educational institutions
Eligible participants
Eligible participants must:
- be unemployed
- live in Ontario
- be legally authorized to work in Canada
- meet at least one of the following criteria:
- have an active employment insurance (EI) claim
- have an EI benefit period that ended within the past five years
- have paid employee premiums in at least five of the previous 10 years (where earnings have been at least $2,000 in each of those years)
How employers apply
Employers must complete an online sponsor application to apply for Ontario Job Creation Partnership funding.
If you need help completing your application, please refer to the sponsor application guide or contact us.
How job seekers apply
Follow these steps to apply to become an Ontario Job Creation Partnership participant:
- Request an appointment with an employment service provider online or contact Employment Ontario
- Your employment service provider will help you develop a plan that outlines your skills, career interests and the services needed to help reach your goals
- Your employment service provider will identify suitable Ontario Job Creation Partnership opportunities available in your community
- If opportunities are available, your employment service provider will supply an application form to complete
How participants are paid
Eligible participants will be paid through either:
- Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
- financial assistance from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
Contact us
For more information on Ontario Job Creation Partnerships, contact Employment Ontario, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET: