FAST For Employment

The FAST Program is a federally funded program that helps adults with self-disclosed disabilities. The program assists with job skills, training, and work experience to support long-term employment. We provide personalized support, funding for training, and wage subsidies for employers to create meaningful job opportunities.

Image of a persons hands kneading dough.

How We Support You

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so we work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.

Eligible participants may receive:

  • Help identifying employment goals

  • Funding for training such as Security Guard, Forklift Operator, First Aid, CPR, and Safe Food Handling

  • Resume, cover letter, and interview support

  • Job search and application assistance, including online applications

  • Funding for work-related needs such as transportation, uniforms, and safety wear

  • Work Experience Funding, which provides a wage subsidy to employers to help you gain on-the-job experience

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be 16 years or older

  • Self-disclose a disability

  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada

  • Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

  • Not be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits

  • Be unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week

  • Not have participated in past FAST Programs

For Employers

Our wage subsidy program makes it easy for employers to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities.

If you’re hiring or have a candidate in mind, contact us.

To qualify, your business must:

  • Offer a job opportunity to a person with a disability

  • Have WSIB coverage for employees

  • Pay wages through standard payroll (not commissions, stipends, or honorariums)

  • Ensure the new hire is not a relative of the owner (some exceptions apply)

  • Ensure the employee is not already on payroll before the subsidy starts
    (volunteers transitioning to paid roles may qualify)

Wage Subsidy Details

  • FAST reimburses up to 80 percent of Ontario’s Minimum Wage

  • The subsidy lasts up to 14 weeks, based on employer and employee needs

For more information or to sign up, contact:

Emily Bailey
emily@ilrctbay.ca

Elisabeth Alexander
elisabeth@ilrctbay.ca