Local business people got their first look at the newly-minted Saskatchewan-Canada Job Grant (CSJG) program during an information session at Gallagher Centre September 24.
According to the Government of Saskatchewan the CSJG "is an employer-driven program that provides Saskatchewan workers with the training they need to qualify for a new job, to improve their skills at their present job or to move to a better job."
Larry Wells, regional director, Southern Region, Ministry of the Economy, stressed that the program would be flexible and the local administration would work hand-in-hand with employers to get the money out to as many businesses as possible.
"In my way of thinking it is one of the most responsive programs that has come along in a long time that will directly help you as an employer in meeting some of your needs," he told the assembled business people.
Leah Goodwin, executive director of Labour Market Planning and Systems Support laid out the rules and processes.
The basic concept is that employers can apply for up to $10,000 per employee per year for training if they put up $5,000 themselves.
Eligible employers are private sector companies and not-for-profit organizations. Crown corporations and Indian bands are also eligible, but publicly funded institutions such as municipalities, health regions and school divisions do not qualify.
"Government can't fund itself," Goodwin said.
The trainees must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In the case of Saskatchewan, they do not need to be residents of the province, but the job they do must be done in Saskatchewan. Other provinces have adopted slightly different regulations.
Eligible expenses include tuition, mandatory student fees, textbooks, software and other required materials, and exam fees. The only exception is for small businesses (less than 50 employees). These companies can apply trainee wages toward up to half of the employer contribution ($2,500 maximum).
The type of training that qualifies is pretty much wide open to whatever employers need to fill open positions except ongoing training to keep up professional designations, for example.
The presenters stressed it was up to the business to decide who needs training, what kind of training they need, when and where it will take place and who will deliver it.
"Who knows better than you?" Wells said.
Employers are responsible for paying the training costs upfront and submitting receipts for reimbursement.
Saskatchewan has put a cap of $250,000 annually for any individual employer. Wells said the cap is arbitrary and will be reevaluated as the program progresses through its four years along with other considerations such as whether certain types of employers, employees or industries should be given priority.
One of the goals of the program was to target groups that are underrepresented in the workforce such as First Nations and persons with disabilities. Saskatchewan will monitor the uptake of the program and decide whether it becomes necessary to prioritize.
One of the early criticisms of the program was that it would be too cumbersome for small businesses to use. The federal government and provinces negotiated an agreement that allows businesses to band together in consortiums to share the administrative burden. A representative from Parkland College attended the information session and told business owners that the college would act on their behalf to facilitate the application process.
The Southern Region office, located in Yorkton, has set service standards for itself promising employers they would respond in 48 hours to requests, process training agreements within one to three weeks and process payments within five to eight business days of receiving receipts.
The CSJG is now open for applications. Employers can find a self-assessment tool on the Saskatchewan government website or email [email protected] with questions.
