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Frequently Asked questions

What is the Ontario Employer designation?

Created in 2010, the Passport to Prosperity Ontario Employer designation distinguishes employers that are supporting the futures of significant numbers of young people across the province through experiential learning programs. To earn this annual designation an employer must have provided at least 50 learning opportunities in the previous academic year (September through August).

What criteria does an organization have to meet in order to qualify for the designation?

Applications are assessed using a simple point system. A minimum total of 50 points is required to earn the designation. One point is awarded for every school-work opportunity, either student placement or outreach activity, provided by an employer in the previous academic year (September through August).

The following types of school-work opportunities are recognized:

How are points awarded for student placements and outreach activities?

For student placements, one point is awarded for each participating student. For outreach activities, one point is awarded for each initiative.

How do you apply for the designation?

Applications can be completed and submitted electronically or by mail. The electronic and print application forms are available for download at www.ontarioemployer.ca.

What are the benefits of receiving the designation?

Every time an employer provides a student with the opportunity to gain work-related knowledge, skills and experience, they make an incalculable positive contribution to the quality of a young person's life and career prospects.

The designation recognizes and validates the efforts of employers that provide significant numbers of work- based learning opportunities for Ontario high school students, and for which their local communities, industry sectors and employees should be proud.

Recipients of the designation are presented with a commemorative plaque and accompanying certificate signed by Ontario's Minister of Education and publicly acknowledged for their important contributions. They also enjoy the right to use the Passport to Prosperity Ontario Employer emblem in their corporate, marketing and communications materials.

Are there any fees associated with applying for or receiving the designation?

No - there are no fees associated with the Ontario Employer designation.

What is the deadline for submitting the 2011 designation form?

Application forms must be received by Monday, October 24th, 2011.

What are the benefits of experiential learning programs?

Experiential learning programs deliver positive impacts for students, businesses and local economies, and can help address pressing labour market issues, including Ontario's rapidly aging workforce and the ever-increasing demand for workers with higher levels of education, skills and experience.

For students, experiential learning programs offer real life, first-hand experience and exposure to the skills needed in a particular position. School-work programs have also been found to support higher retention, graduation and postsecondary participation rates and as well as boosting academic achievement, attitude and preparation.

For employers, participating in experiential learning programs provides an early opportunity to engage Ontario's future workforce and raise awareness about career options they may not have considered. School-work programs are also a cost-effective alternative for recruiting, training and retaining young workers, which, in turn, can provide a professional development opportunity for existing employees to build management, mentorship and communication skills.

For local economies, experiential learning programs also help address workforce challenges, such as skills shortages. Moreover, better skilled workers will allow businesses to reap greater rewards, which will support and drive local economic growth.

What other organizations have earned the designation?

The inaugural recipients of the designation were formally announced at the launch of Experiential Learning Week on November 22, 2010. The Honorable Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Education, awarded the designation to representatives from the Ottawa Police Service, RONA, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Westmont Hospitality Group, Clarion Nursing Home and the Ministry of Natural Resources Junior Ranger Program.

What are Passport to Prosperity and the Provincial Partnership Council?

Established in 1999, Passport to Prosperity is a province-wide initiative sponsored by the Provincial Partnership Council (PPC), the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, which encourages and supports Ontario employers in providing high school students with experiential learning opportunities. Passport to Prosperity is delivered in every region in Ontario by 26 local Passport to Prosperity coordinators situated in business education councils and local training boards.

Comprised of leaders from the private, public and voluntary sectors, the PPC is a volunteer advisory committee of the Government of Ontario. The PPC's mission is to ensure that every employer in Ontario appreciates the value of engaging high school students in meaningful experiences that foster workplace skills development and inform educational and career-related decisions.