Sector Initiatives Fund (SIF)

What is it?

This is a funding program designed to help industry sectors and organizations to develop training programs, materials and standards for their workforces.

Who Qualifies?

Organizations applying to the program must represent a sector of the Ontario economy - for example, the confectionery sector. Qualifying organizations can include trade and professional associations, representative employer groups and unions. Colleges and training institutions can be partners for the delivery of training, but cannot sponsor a proposal.

What are some of the Key Criteria?

Projects should…

• support sector-based program/curriculum development that is relevant, portable and incremental
• address an identified skills shortage or need
• include a viable marketing, implementation and evaluation plan
• include a delivery plan with measurable targets that show how the project will be self-sufficient within 3 years

What is funded under SIF?

The program covers a broad range of initiatives including:

• sector-focused curriculum development
• development of occupational standards
• development of innovative training materials
• development of certification, testing, accreditation programs/materials
• pilot testing of materials/programs

What is NOT funded?

• capital costs
• course delivery costs beyond the pilot project period
• tuition fees
• facility and equipment rental
• instructional supplies

For Example ...Funded projects include:

1. The dairy industry developed and tested a 9-part training curriculum to help the dairy industry make the best use of dairy supply management systems.

2. A food sector labour organization, in partnership with Mohawk College, is developing a Food and Retail Specialist Certificate Program, including courses covering such topics as health and safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), safe food handling, ISO 9000 certification and sales and marketing.

Available funds

There is an individual project maximum of $250,000. It is expected that the organization or sector will cover at least half of the project costs. SIF project funding does not exceed 50%. The program's total annual budget is $1 million.

How do I apply?

Projects can be submitted at any time during the year. You should first submit a one or two page description of the project. If you receive "approval in principle", you can then develop and submit a full proposal.

Where can I find more information?

Call the toll-free Employment Ontario Hotline at 1-800-387-5656, TTY (telephone service for the deaf) 1-866-533-6339 for the phone number and location of the apprenticeship office in your area. Newcomers to Ontario can ask for this information in the language of their choice.