NOHFC: The best pathway to internships For Students

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Individual receiving training *Stock image from Wix Studios

As students, many of us hope to land an internship or even a stable job before or right

after completing our studies. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the right

resources or networks, and we often find ourselves searching in all the wrong places

without results.

In this short article, I want to introduce you to a valuable but sometimes overlooked

opportunity: the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) internship

program. This initiative is designed to help students and recent graduates gain real-

world experience in their chosen fields.

What is the NOHFC?

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is a government initiative

dedicated to promoting economic development in Northern Ontario. It does this by

funding projects that create jobs and stimulate regional growth.

One of its most impactful programs is the Workforce Development Stream, which

provides funding to employers to hire recent graduates through paid internships.

Their mission is:

“To partner with communities, businesses, entrepreneurs and youth across Northern

Ontario to create jobs and strengthen the economy.”

Why Students Should Apply

• Real Work Experience: NOHFC internships offer paid, hands-on experience in your field of study or career interest.

•  Career Boost: Many of these internships can lead to full-time employment, as

  employers often use them as a "try-before-you-hire" opportunity.

• Wide Range of Fields: Internships are available in areas such as healthcare, IT,

  trades, engineering, marketing, and more.

• Financial Incentive for Employers: Employers can receive up to $35,000 in

  funding, which encourages them to hire and train new graduates.

  Where to Find Opportunities

You don’t apply directly to NOHFC. Instead, you apply to companies that have received

NOHFC funding to hire interns. Here’s where you can find those roles:

• Indeed and LinkedIn – Search for “NOHFC Internship” along with your preferred

  location.

• Northern Ontario job boards

• College and university career centres

• Company websites – Focus on employers in communities like Sault Ste. Marie,

  Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins, and North Bay.

  
  

Are You Eligible?

To apply for an NOHFC-funded internship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 to 30 years old

• Be a recent graduate (within the last 3 years) from a college, university, or

  recognized postsecondary program

• Be a resident of Ontario

• Have not previously worked full-time in the field related to the internship

  
  

Final Thoughts

The transition from school to work can be challenging, but programs like NOHFC can

make a real difference. By opening doors to paid, career-relevant internships it allows students and recent graduates in Ontario to build experience, grow

professionally, and get a foot in the door.

Start your search today, you might find that your next big opportunity is just a few click away.