Students seeking summer jobs in Ontario have a better chance of finding work in their field, thanks to the assistance of a nonprofit organization.

The nonprofit organization Mitacs announced its intention to offer thousands of paid training programs for students in Ontario this year.

According to Mitacs, around 20,000 internship programs across Canada are expected to be supported by the federal government and provincial governments in 2023.

John Hepburn, CEO of Mitacs, stated: “Last year we offered about 6,000 paid internship opportunities in Ontario in all fields, and demand is expected to grow this year.”

He added: “We work with a range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and nonprofits, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized businesses.”

The amount students earn depends on the length of their internship, and according to Mitacs, the minimum wage for four months starts at $10,000. Students can complete multiple training programs while continuing their studies in college or university.

These training programs are based on research projects available in all kinds of different industries, from artificial intelligence to advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle technology, healthcare, mining, and quantum technology.

Hepburn also explained: “Practical work experience for university and college students and recent graduates through internships is essential to equip them with real-life problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the future workforce and cannot be gained in the classroom.”

A recent survey conducted by Mitacs showed that only 43 percent of students feel confident in critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while 19 percent lack confidence in team management, and 24 percent lack confidence when it comes to project management.

To apply for these paid training programs through Mitacs, students must submit a research project proposal through a partner organization.