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Overview and Key Objectives
The OCE’s "First Job" Internship Initiative is based on
experience derived from a fellowship program that, for the past
ten years, has supported the transfer of highly-qualified
personnel from OCE research initiatives to companies who need
their expertise to support technology adoption and growth. We
are now opening the doors to opportunities from outside of the
OCE family.
Providing new knowledge and capability through the addition of
highly-skilled and qualified personnel is an effective method of
improving the innovation capacity of Ontario-based enterprises,
particularly those companies that are emerging or small-to
medium-sized. Research institutions, particularly universities
and colleges, are primary sources of new knowledge and
capability both in technical and business streams, therefore an
initiative that identifies receptor needs and places capable
individuals in new positions will help grow technology-based
industries, enable the commercialization of new technologies to
market and foster linkages between industry and academic
institutions.
The development of an Ontario-wide internship program provides a
coordinated approach to improve (technology and innovation)
receptor capacity by utilizing the existing infrastructure in
the province to deliver a clearly defined, flexible program.
This will enable the placement of new human resources, in
industry, which allows for growth in terms of adoption of
technology and the ultimate realization of new revenue.
The program feeds two needs: the short-term need of the
industrial partner, to provide the resources to take them to the
next level in their growth and the long-term need to place a new
generation of graduates, with the appropriate skills, in
relevant industrial sectors. Internships in industry can play a
strong role in helping to develop the people essential to become
the upcoming generation of managers and innovators, thus
enabling an increase in technology receptor capacity across the
province.
Eligibility
While all companies are eligible, primary consideration will be
given to a technically-progressive small/medium-sized company.
Ideally – but not necessarily – the applicant should be
currently working on, or have recently completed, an
OCE-supported project led (or co-led) by their supervisor;
similarly, it is preferred that the receptor company be involved
with OCE in some way; neither of these considerations are hard
criteria. The successful applicant must also assume the
internship within five years of completing his/her advanced
degree and must be legally entitled to work in Canada. The
Intern must either have a Masters or PhD degree at the time of
starting the internship.
At the time of an employment offer, applicants are required to
be entitled to work in Canada.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the Industrial Internship Application
form in cooperation with a Business Development representative
from the appropriate OCE Centre. The application must be
accompanied by a CV of the applicant and letter of support from
the participating company. The company must demonstrate that it
has the managerial and financial resources to exploit the
technology provided by this internship.
The application should describe company needs and how these
needs connect to the applicant’s capability with Ontario
universities and explain how they will be expanded, and how the
existing and new links will be used to establish linkages that
are new to the company. The application must show that the
technology evolving from research projects in which the
applicant is active will provide the foundation for significant
growth in new products, or result in significantly lower
production costs (for example). It must also specify the
technical resources and needs of the company since the intention
is that the Internship will be undertaken in a company that has
limited technical resources in relation to its technical needs.
The application must address the following topics:
- How important is this position and this candidate for
the company?
- Does the company have the wherewithal to take in this
candidate, mentor him/her and put him/her to good use?
- How good is the candidate, in general and specifically
for the technology to be developed?
- How good is the fit between the needs of the company and
the expertise of the applicant?
- What is the technology to be developed/advanced by the
applicant within the company and how important is the
technology for the company and for Ontario?
- What are the chances that this position and the
development of the technology lead to positive outcomes for
both the candidates and the company?
- What is the involvement of the applicant and/or the
company with OCE?
As stated above, the application is to be submitted by the
proposed applicant. It must be accompanied by his/her curriculum
vitae and must be accompanied by a statement from the company
indicating that the application has the company's full support.
All aspects of the application listed above will be taken into
consideration when evaluating it.
Budget
50% of the salary, up to a maximum of $40,000. For a start-up
company, 80% of the salary, up to a maximum of $50,000.
Assessment and Approval Process
The process for approval of submissions includes:
- A complete assessment from the "First Job" Standing
Committee (with representation from the OCE Executive Team,
the OCE Commercialization and Talent teams and external
referees)
- An interview of the applicant by an OCE representative
- An internal review by at least two senior managers
- A summary recommendation by the OCE primary contact (on
application form)
- A final approval by Talent Champion on the OCE Executive
Team
Important note: This program is over-subscribed and the
selection of awards is competitive. Not all eligible
applications will receive funding.
Review and Assessment
Each project will have one interim review that documents the
status and current outcomes of the applicant’s internship.
Timelines
There are no restrictions for receiving proposals, but the
Standing Committee will meet Quarterly to entertain the
proposals. The dates of these meetings will be in mid-August,
mid-November, mid-February and mid-May. All proposals will be
processed and approved as expeditiously as possible, with an
expected one-month turnaround after each Standing Committee
meeting. However, completed applications will not be brought
forward to the Standing Committee until all criteria have been
satisfied and OCE assessment indicates that the proposal is
ready to proceed through the process.
Key Performance Measures
Impact on industry partner:
- Direct revenue (or revenue opportunity)
- Cost Savings
- New technology developments
- New products
Development of Intern:
- New skills and expertise
- Retention of full-time permanent
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