LEARNING IN ONTARIO
The Skills Training Infrastructure Program - Second Call for Proposals
Frequently Asked Questions - Second Call for Proposals
Topics
General
Q: Is there a life expectancy attached to training equipment purchased with STIP funding?
A: No, it is expected that the training equipment will be used as long as it is useful for training. Proponents should provide details in their proposal if it is expected that the equipment will have a short life expectancy.
Q: Can training equipment be redeployed after a period – for example, one year?
A: Proponents should outline in their proposal how the equipment will be used when purchased and in the future.
Q: What if the equipment becomes obsolete for our purposes – for example, if the employer must retool for a new product.
A: It is expected that the equipment will continue to be used for training.
Q: Can obsolete equipment be sold? If so, is there an obligation to report this, and/or surrender a portion of the proceeds?
A: Yes, obsolete equipment can be sold. There is no obligation to report the sale to the ministry. Proponents should outline in their proposal the expected use of the training equipment now and in the future.
Q: How do proponents demonstrate they can purchase the equipment by March 31, 2008?
A: Proponents must demonstrate in their proposal that they can purchase and take delivery of the proposed equipment by March 31, 2008. As part of the legal agreement the proponent will be bound to purchasing and taking delivery of the equipment by March 31, 2008.
Eligibility
Q: If a union-employer training centre is receiving government funding to initiate a training program can they apply for STIP funding?
A: Yes, however the proponent’s 25 per cent contribution cannot be sourced from government funds.
Q: Does the term “union-employer training centre” include any organization, college or association that trains skilled trades?
A: No, union-employer training centres include union training centres, employer training centres, and union-employer partnered training centres.
Q: Does the union-employer training centre have to train apprentices or workers?
A: Union-employer training centres can train workers, trainees, apprentices and/or journeypersons.
Financial Contributions
Q: Please clarify how GST is handled under the Skills Training Infrastructure Program.
A: Proponents should not include the GST in their proposals. Upon acceptance of the proposal and signing of the legal agreement, successful proponents will be given a GST number to obtain a GST exemption.
Q: Can a proponent that already paid the GST get refunded? Will the ministry help proponents get reimbursed by the vendor?
A: Successful proponents can attempt to recover GST costs from vendors using the GST number provided in the legal agreement. The ministry will not pay GST and will not help proponents get reimbursed by the vendor.
Q: How do proponents prove they can make a 25 per cent contribution?
A: In the proposal proponents must demonstrate they can finance the 25 per cent contribution. As part of the legal agreement the proponent must attest in writing that they are able to finance the 25 per cent contribution.
Eligible Costs
Q: Can installation costs associated with the purchase of equipment be included in the proposal and incurred after March 31, 2008 ?
A: No. Costs associated with the purchase, delivery and installation of any equipment must occur between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008.
Q: Is communications equipment associated with a new training space (e.g., public address system, telephones) eligible?
A:No. Equipment must be used for training individuals in up-to-date occupational skills, apprenticeships and trades updating. Renovation and infrastructure costs are not eligible.
Q: Is a security/fire alarm system associated with a new training space eligible?
A:No. Equipment must be used for training individuals in up-to-date occupational skills, apprenticeships and trades updating. Renovation and infrastructure costs are not eligible.
Q: Are student wash-up facilities eligible?
A:No. Equipment must be used for training individuals in up-to-date occupational skills, apprenticeships and trades updating. Renovation and infrastructure costs are not eligible.
Q: Are computer software and computer-based training courses eligible?
A: Yes, a one-time purchase of software or computer-based training material is eligible if the product is directly used for training. Subscription costs for remote and/or Internet-based training courses are not eligible.
Q: Is computer hardware and software eligible for this program?
A: Yes. Hardware and software used for training individuals in up-to-date occupational skills, apprenticeships and trades updating is eligible.
Q: Is portable training equipment, such as small tools, eligible for this program?
A: Yes. Equipment used for training individuals in up-to-date occupational skills, apprenticeships and trades updating is eligible.
Q: Are modular stations that trainees or apprentices use to practice their trade or skills eligible?
A: Modular stations that are integral to the training of trainees are eligible. Desks, lab benches, work benches, computer tables etc. are not eligible.
Q: Is equipment used for training on a jobsite eligible?
A. Training equipment can be used on a jobsite if it is part of a mobile training centre and if the equipment is dedicated solely to training and not production or construction.
Q: If a ventilation system is required in the area where the training takes place, is the cost of the ventilation system eligible?
A: Facility improvements that are critical to the placement of purchased equipment, such as ventilation, are eligible.
Evaluation Criteria and Process
Q: What if a union is not involved? Is this a disadvantage when submitting an application?
A: All eligible organizations will be evaluated in a competitive process against the same evaluation criteria.
