Community-Based Training Initiatives (CBTI)

Introduction

The Community-Based Training Initiatives Program provides financial support to assist communities in developing or enhancing the occupational skills of unemployed members. This support enables job-specific and on-the-job training, supplemented by limited classroom instruction, to prepare participants for sustained employment. Financial assistance can cover training-related costs, wage subsidies, and other specified expenses. The program is intended for training cohorts of three or more individuals.

Objective

To provide unemployed community members with essential or specialized skills that lead to permanent or long-term employment.

Program Guidelines

  • Projects must demonstrate a “direct link to employment.”
  • Training projects should involve a minimum of three unemployed individuals.
  • Community needs must substantiate the training, supported by a Band Council Resolution (B.C.R.) or Board Resolution.
  • Training is primarily conducted on the job, with classroom instruction allowed up to a maximum of 25% of the project duration.
  • Using Indigenous trainers or training agencies is encouraged.
  • Non-profit employers may receive up to 100% of eligible training costs, while private sector employers may receive up to 60%. Any revenue generated through training must be documented and applied to offset training-related expenses.

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

  • Supporting documents, such as a strategic plan or community profile, explaining the training need and employment outcomes.
  • A signed application with a cover letter.
  • A supporting B.C.R. or Board Resolution.
  • An executive summary describing the training project, its objectives, targeted occupations, and expected outcomes.
  • A comprehensive training plan with objectives, topics, schedule, prerequisites, methods, and evaluation criteria.
  • A description of the target participants, including recruitment strategies.
  • Trainer qualifications and relevant experience.
  • A detailed project budget.

Additional documentation may be requested to support the application.

Eligibility

The following entities may apply:

  • First Nations within the Treaty #3 area under the Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong ISET Agreement.
  • Indigenous community-based organizations within Treaty #3.
  • Other training institutions supported by a Treaty #3 First Nation B.C.R. or Board Resolution.

Financial Assistance

Eligible Costs Include:

  • Administrative Wages: Wages for project administration staff are considered up to local minimum wage levels, with justification required for roles like Project Manager if multiple participants or wide geographic coverage are involved.
  • Participant Wages: Not-for-profit employers may receive up to 100% of participant wages, capped at $17.25 per hour.
  • For-profit employers may receive up to 60% of participant wages, capped at $10 per hour.
  • All wages must meet or exceed provincial minimum wage and align with standard rates for the occupation.
  • Mandatory Employment-Related Costs: Up to 12% of wages to cover Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, and vacation pay. Additional costs (e.g., Employer Health Tax, WSIB) are eligible upon account verification.
  • Overhead Costs: Non-profit employers may receive up to $50 per participant per week, and for-profit employers up to $30, covering materials, equipment, utilities, etc.
  • Training Costs: Up to $15 per participant hour for non-profits, and $9 per hour for for-profits, covering instructional salaries, course materials, training facilities, and necessary travel.
  • Special Costs: Equipment costing over $250 necessary for training may be eligible for up to $10,000 for non-profits and $5,000 for for-profits. Equipment costs below $250 should be included under Training Costs or Overhead.
  • Disability Accommodation Costs: Funding up to $10,000 is available for accommodation for participants with disabilities.

Project Duration

  • Projects must run between 12 to 35 weeks.

Contact Information

For more details or to request an application package, please contact our head office or a Program Officer in your area:

Head Office: P.O. Box 2909, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 3X8
Phone: 1-800-545-5113 | Fax: 807-468-1813

Program Officers: