Advance Ontario connects eligible Ontario post-secondary students with remote internships to build in-demand skills. Ontario employers mentor students through paid 60-hour projects over 2-8 weeks. Powered by Riipen, the program promotes workforce diversity and aims to create lasting job opportunities while boosting Ontario’s economy in any and all sectors . Visit our Help Centre to read our key dates , FAQs & our Terms and Conditions .   Employers:  Submit your project match request by January 3rd, 2024 to participate in this cohort. Once matched, students can apply during the application period January 6–17, 2025. You'll review applications and choose 1-4 students for your project. You must accept at least one student by January 17, 2025 to participate. The project runs from January 20, 2025, and work cannot begin until the start date. Students must complete the onboarding survey, click "start project" on Riipen and complete all deliverables, including 60 work log hours, in at least 2 weeks or by the end date. Check out Getting Started with Advance Ontario: Employers for more information. Students:  Students are invited on a first-come, first-served basis and must apply here. There are 500 spots in this cohort, and once filled, remaining applications will be canceled. If invited, you must apply to projects by January 6–17, 2025 and start by January 20, 2025 if accepted. You can apply to THREE projects at a time. Once an employer accepts one of your applications, your remaining applications will be canceled, and that project will be yours for the rest of the cohort. 

This is a private Advance Ontario experience. Students and employers must be invited. You cannot request to join the experience.

This is a placeholder experience where you can express your interest in participating in Advance Ontario by submitting a project match request. We are not accepting official match requests at this time. If your project is a good fit, we will reach out to request a match once the official experience is open. Advance Ontario connects eligible Ontario post-secondary students with remote, interdisciplinary projects to build in-demand skills. Ontario employers mentor students through paid 60-hour projects over 2-8 weeks. Powered by Riipen, the program promotes workforce diversity and aims to create lasting job opportunities while boosting Ontario’s economy. Employers:  Employers can submit one project for consideration. When developing your project, keep in mind that you can hire up to four students. If you’re interested in participating in an upcoming Advance Ontario cohort, submit your project match request here . By submitting a request, you will be one of the first to be notified when a new Advance Ontario experience becomes available. At that time, we will reach out and request to match with your project. Note: No students will be added to this placeholder experience.

Advance Ontario provides eligible students internship opportunities to help develop real-world, in demand skills. Internships are hosted remotely with Ontario employers who are eager to mentor the next generation of talent.  Powered by Riipen, the world's leading online work-based learning marketplace, students are paid to complete projects each spanning 80 hours over 2-8 weeks.  With a target of allocating 70% of the internships to students from underrepresented groups, the Advance Ontario internships extend to eligible postsecondary students in Ontario, including international students, from Publicly Assisted Postsecondary Institutions. The program aims to enhance inclusive workforce development, helping companies in diversifying their talent pool, with a goal of creating permanent job placements and contributing to Ontario's economy. STUDENTS MUST BE INVITED TO JOIN ADVANCE ONTARIO. Students can request access to this program here. Important points Project deliverables will differ based on scope, but a comprehensive report or other assets should be produced by project completion, aiding your business goals.  Regular communication with students enhances project outcomes.  If confidentiality is key, consider having students sign an NDA using our agreements feature . They can still submit work on the platform by uploading redacted samples, using the worklog feature, and writing a brief project reflection.  Do you have queries or need assistance in making your project irresistible to students?  Reach out to us at advanceontario@riipen.com.