Diversity,
Equity and
Inclusion Fund
Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion Fund

The challenges of an aging workforce in Ontario's automotive sector have heightened the importance of attracting, training and retaining new talent. Barriers to labour market access, education and skills training have exacerbated this challenge.
The APMA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund addresses the issue head on. To date, we have successfully placed 1,300 new hires.
Our goal is to develop a new talent pipeline that will construct pathways to historically excluded groups such as youth, women, newcomers and racialized communities. The DEI Fund supports employers and community partners in their efforts to access, train and retain meaningful employment for new hires.
For employers and community partners in Ontario’s automotive industry, this round will provide up to $6,900 to support wage subsidies, mental health supports, mentorship programs, upskilling and training.
Participants are eligible for a 3-month placement resulting in on-the-job experience, upskilling and career development.
The APMA’s DEI Fund is a proud recipient of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement (CADIA) Impact Awards – Champion for Diverse Talent. Recognized for raising up, developing, advancing or advocating for diverse talent.
The DEI Fund runs from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. We are currently accepting applications from employers, community partners and participants
Employer and Community Partner Requirements
Employers must have operations in Ontario’s automotive sector
Community partners must have operations in Ontario
Employers must provide a minimum 3-month placement
Employers and/or community partners must ensure participants receive the following:
1. Experiential learning opportunity
2. Participate and complete skills training
3. Employment (placement)
4. Increase in employability skills
2. Participate and complete skills training
3. Employment (placement)
4. Increase in employability skills
1. Experiential learning opportunity
2. Participate and complete skills training
3. Employment (placement)
4. Increase in employability skills
2. Participate and complete skills training
3. Employment (placement)
4. Increase in employability skills
Participant Requirements
Participant Requirements
Must self-identify as:
1. Indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit)
2. Racialized (non-Caucasian)
3. Women
4. Youth (15-29 years old a start of agreement)
No educational requirements
No previous experience needed
For More Information:
If you are interested in participating as an employer or community partner, please contact:
(Note: emails related to job seekers will not receive a response. Job seekers must complete the form below)
If you are a job seeker, please fill out a form to determine eligibility: