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A new skills training initiative sponsored by the federal government and administered by the Ontario government is offering employers across Canada the opportunity to build stronger, better skilled workforces.

 

The Canada-Ontario Job Grant is a pilot project that began in March 2014 and is just now getting off the ground.

 

"We′ve just recently been taking applications," said Rod Palmer, training facilitator at CSE Consulting in Prescott.

 

Palmer said that one major employer, based in Kemptville, just put through an application.

 

"It′s a fairly major employer in Kemptville," said Palmer. "We′re looking forward to watching that and seeing it come to fruition."

 

Palmer runs a program called Targeted Initiative for older workers, who may not have the skill set some employers are looking for. Palmer said the job grant may prove very beneficial to his clients in particular, to whom extra training would be an asset. "Its a program many employers might want to take advantage of," said Palmer. "It′s a good way for employers to get more skills training for their employees."

 

Basically, the government will pay up to 66 per cent of skills training for employees in Ontario, up to $10,000 per person. Palmer said its as simple as filling out the paperwork, which involves what type of training the employee or employees require, who will be facilitating the training, how long the training will take and how much it is estimated to cost.

 

"The employer does all the legwork and we facilitate the paperwork," said Palmer.The employer is still responsible for the remaining 33 per cent cost of training. However, they benefit from having a better skilled employee, which in turn improves their business.

 

"I think the job grant will indirectly improve employment," said Palmer. "It is really dedicated to helping employers."

 

Palmer said in some cases, employers will be able to hire unskilled employees and apply to get them the skills training they need for the position.

 

"It allows them to expand their workforce options," said Palmer. "Its an incentive for the employer. Hopefully, if the employer has a more qualified and better skilled staff of employees, then the business will be more successful and hire more employees."

 

The training costs are paid up front by the employer and then reimbursed by the government after proving the employee has completed the training indicated in the application.

 

The job grant falls under the umbrella of employment Ontario. Palmer said the job grant will likely improve the employment rate indirectly, by opening up doors for employers that were otherwise shut.

 

"Its also a benefit to employees, who can get the training they need to be more attractive to employers," said Palmer. The job grant is just one of many subsidies available to offset the training of employees through CSE Consulting. If you own a business, check out their website for further details regarding the myriad of programs available that may be beneficial to you at www.cseconsulting.com.