Postsecondary education opens a lot of doors, and like all opportunities, it is also an investment.
Fortunately, Ontario is one of the top provinces in Canada where funding for your education and post-graduation employment are concerned. Not only can students like you potentially access funding to reduce the cost of your education, but there are also opportunities where you can train towards your dream career tuition-free!
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant program is one such opportunity for securing a free postsecondary education for in-demand programs like Primary Care Paramedic training.
As one of the province’s cornerstone initiatives, the grant is aimed at bolstering educational and employment prospects for residents. It’s primarily designed to alleviate financial barriers that might be preventing candidates from pursuing their studies, while also providing incentives for graduates to find employment in specific regions of the province.
Notably, if you’re interested in a program like Primary Care Paramedic training, such as the one we have on offer here at CTS Canadian Career College, and are excited about working in Northern Ontario for the short or long term after your studies for work and career experience, this grant might be exactly what you’re looking for!
In the following article, we’ll dive into the specifics of what this grant is, who it is for, and how you could be able to take advantage of it if you’re interested in one of the programs or locations on offer.
What is the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is a government-funded program established to facilitate access to post-secondary education and training for residents of Ontario. It’s one of many funding and financial aid options promoted by the government of Ontario, with the difference being that this grant is focused on expanding the workforce in underserved regions – particularly in Northern Ontario.
What are the benefits of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
The grant can cover a range of expenses, including:
- Books
- Tuition
- Compulsory Fees
- Other directional educational costs, such as supplies or equipment needed to complete the course
Who is eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
Eligibility for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant and using it to become a paramedic is contingent upon meeting certain criteria. Among them:
- Applicants must be legal residents of Ontario.
- Applicants must also have successfully applied and been enrolled in the first or second year of an eligible Learn and Stay program (more on these below).
- Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing post-graduation work within the same region where they studied.
- Applicants must not be receiving funding from other government programs, such as Better Jobs Ontario, etc.
How do you apply for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
At CTS Canadian Career College, our financial aid office has helped numerous students secure funding through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. When inquiring about your program of interest (specifically, Primary Care Paramedic training), our staff will walk you through the requirements and help explain the necessary paperwork in order to apply for the grant.
Which programs are eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant?
CTS Canadian Career College is one of only a few schools that offer the free pathway to becoming a paramedic with Ontario Learn and Stay Grant eligibility to residents of Northern Ontario, and is available in three campuses (North Bay, Sudbury, and Sault Ste. Marie).
Where can students work after their graduation?
Part of the grant stipulates that in order to receive funding and other incentives, students must agree to work in the region where they completed their studies.
As part of the grant agreement, students must continue to reside and work for at least 180 days (6 months) for every full year of funding they received through the grant.
If you took an expedited program such as Primary Career Paramedic from a career college like the ones offered at CTS Canadian Career College, you would like to spend 1 year studying and then only need to spend 6 months in the same region before you could work elsewhere. Of course, some students remain in the same regions, owing to the plentiful career opportunities often being available there.
Note: certain conditions apply. Please raise any questions you have with your financial advisor when applying.
If you’re looking into the possibility of studying and working in Northern Ontario, there are plenty of opportunities available – especially thanks to the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant.
CTS Canadian College is one of the primary colleges offering Primary Care Paramedic training. If you’re curious about inquiring, please fill out the form on the right side of this page or send us an email at [email protected].