OLES has launched a call for proposals

For the first time in almost two years, the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills has launched a call for proposals. What follows is from the OLES Bulletin issues January 21, 2015.

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The call is for projects that test innovative literacy and essential skills training models. The call will be open for 4 weeks, closing on February 18, 2015.

Innovative training models include:

•  Expansion of a proven LES model: this would include models that have been successfully applied within Canada or outside of Canada that could be replicated in a different region or with a different target audience and/or increased in scale;
• Integration of LES into other programs: application of LES into an existing employment and/or training program; or
• New LES model: development and testing of new approaches with the potential to improve labour market outcomes for Canadians

Eligible concepts must:

• intend to develop, test and evaluate an eligible innovative training model;
• target at least one of the nine key Essential Skills identified by the Government of Canada;
• include employer engagement;
• have national significance;
• include cash or in-kind contributions equal to or greater than 20% of the total eligible cost of the project from sources other than the federal government; and
• not exceed 5 years for a total of $12.5 million.

Projects that improve LES within under-represented groups in the labour market, such as Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC), Aboriginal peoples and newcomers may be given priority.

For more detailed information on the Call for Concepts and to apply, please visit: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/funding/cfc_les.shtml