As a designated Employment Ontario service provider, we’ve helped employers like you navigate the Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) application process. Here are some frequently asked questions about applying for COJG.
Thinking about applying for COJG? Find out how we can help, contact us today.
What is the Canada-Ontario Job Grant?
The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) is a government-funded subsidy designed to help employers offset the cost of training and upskilling employees.
The goal of COJG is to help employers invest in their workforce by sharing in the cost of training – ultimately, to support job creation, increase job quality or provide job advancement opportunities.
Who is COJG for?
COJG is designed for Ontario employers of any size who are looking to invest in their workforce by implementing short-term staff training.
What fees am I responsible for with COJG?
As an employer, you are responsible for the upfront costs of training. Successful COJG applicants will be reimbursed up to 5/6s of the cost of training for small employers and up to ½ for large employers.
How is the funding amount determined?
Funding is determined based on factors like the cost of training and company size.
Small employers (employers with fewer than 100 employees) are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 5/6th the cost of training, up to $10,000 per trainee.
Large employers (employers with 100 or more employees) are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 1/2 of the cost of training, up to $10,000 per trainee.
How much funding could I receive with COJG?
Depending on your application, up to 5/6s of the cost of training, up to $10,000 per trainee can be covered by COJG.
In cases where a small employer is hiring and training an unemployed individual, the employer may qualify for a reimbursement of 100% of the costs and up to $15,000 per trainee
What are my responsibilities as an employer applying for COJG?
As an employer, you must identify skills gaps, the type of training that will address those gaps and the individuals who will be trained.
You must also commit to having a job, or conditional job offer, for the trainee upon completion of the training.
You must be able to pay the upfront cost of training in full.
Are all applications successful?
No. Not all applications are successful. The selection process is based on a tiered system that places priority on applications that will result in the trainee qualifying for a better job and that is from an employer who has not submitted a successful application in the previous 6 months.
When can I apply for the COJG?
At any time. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Can I apply for COJG if I have already applied for it in the past?
Yes. You can submit multiple applications. However, priority is given to applications from companies who have not accessed COJG funds in the previous 6 months.
What is the eligibility criteria for employers?
- Able and committed to pay the full upfront cost of training
- Providing the minimum cash contributions towards training costs
- Providing a conditional job offer or continuing to employ the trainee after successful completion of training
- Applying for training that is delivered in Ontario and is related to a job that is also located in Ontario
- Licensed to operate in Ontario
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Must maintain good standing regarding:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, and all applicable federal and provincial human rights legislation, regulations, and any other relevant standards
- WSIB or alternate workplace safety insurance coverage
- Adequate third-party general liability insurance (if applicable)
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Must not be:
- applying for funding to cover the cost of training required by law
- training the owner or shareholders of an organization
- receiving government funds for the same trainee
- displacing existing staff or replacing laid-off staff
- a federal, provincial or municipal government agency
- a service provider for Employment Ontario
What is the eligibility criteria for employees?
- Resident of Ontario
- Not participating in full-time education or training, including participating in any government training program that offers similar training supports
What types of training are eligible?
- Less than one year in duration
- Provided in Ontario by and eligible third-party trainer
- Scheduled to begin after the application approval
- Must be training for employees
- Not legally required due to law, regulation or policy
- Not an apprenticeship; not consulting for organizations; not provided by a product vendor
What expenses are eligible?
- Tuition and related fees
- textbooks, software and other required material
- Mandatory student fees
- Examination fees