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About the Program
The New Futures Program is a 24-month workforce development initiative designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals in Ontario in achieving long-term economic independence and successful community reintegration.
Funded through a $1.87 million grant from the Northpine Foundation, the program provides participants with work-readiness training, paid work experience, mentorship, and wraparound supports that help remove barriers to sustainable employment.
Through partnerships with employers, community organizations, and innovation leaders, New Futures creates meaningful pathways into high-growth sectors, including energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation-driven industries.
Participants begin the program with six weeks of intensive work-readiness training focused on:
- Professional Identity and Personal Branding
- Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
- The Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Al and Business Development
- Automating the Workplace
- Energy
*A stipend will be awarded to participants upon successful completion of the training. Participants will also receive a micro-credential from Ontario Tech University.
Following the training period, participants will be placed in three-month paid industry placements where they gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and develop skills aligned with long-term employment opportunities.
Discover Brilliant Solutions
Brilliant Solutions connects organizations with top Ontario post-secondary talent to develop bold, actionable solutions for real-world problems—through customized, collaborative experiences.
What Makes It Brilliant?
Tap into Ontario’s brightest minds. We match you with students ready to bring fresh ideas and actionable solutions to your organization.
Choose what fits you best: short ideathons, multi-week innovation challenges, or project-based collaborations. Mix and match to meet your goals.
From digital tools to strategy roadmaps, our student teams have delivered real outcomes — and they’re ready to build your next breakthrough.
- Previous knowledge or experience in the energy, AI, and innovation sectors is recommended but not mandatory.
- A GED, CAEC, or high school diploma is not required to participate.
- Participants must complete the training before beginning their placements.
- Open to individuals who have experienced incarceration at any point in their lives.
- Must be based in Canada.
- Must be between 16 and 36 years old.
- Must be able to communicate in English.
- Must be previously unemployed.
- Must have access to the internet and a device (laptop or tablet).
- Interest in entrepreneurship, energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation.
- Commitment to completing all program requirements.
- Previous knowledge or experience in the energy, AI, and innovation sectors is recommended but not required.
- Gain training in artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, nuclear energy, and other future-ready skills to support workforce development in high-demand sectors.
- Receive a full-time work placement with a small or medium-sized business (SME) to build hands-on experience and professional references.
- Receive employment income throughout the program.
- Receive a certificate and a micro-credential from a recognized Canadian university.
- Gain access to expert mentorship, workshops, and exclusive events.
- Strengthen digital literacy, problem-solving, communication, and workplace readiness skills.
- Build consistency and confidence through sustained employment during the 3-month placement period.
- Enhance long-term employability through transferable skills, industry exposure, and hands-on experience.
The New Futures Program is intended for formerly incarcerated individuals living in Canada who are between the ages of 16 and 36. Participants should be able to communicate in English and must have been previously unemployed.
If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please contact our team at brilliant@ontariotechu.ca to learn more about eligibility and next steps.
Previous knowledge or experience in the energy, AI, innovation, or entrepreneurship sectors is recommended but not required. A GED, CAEC, or high school diploma is also not required to participate.
Please note that participants must successfully complete the training portion of the program before beginning their placement.
At this time, the program is only available to formerly incarcerated individuals living in Canada. If international applications become available in the future, updates will be posted on this webpage.
The program is offered through flexible learning formats designed to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences, including in-person, hybrid, and virtual delivery options.
Work placements will primarily take place virtually.
The program begins with a 6-week training component, followed by a 3-month full-time work placement.
Participants will receive a micro-credential and digital certificate after successfully completing the required modules and submitting all assignments.
Participants will receive a digital certificate issued by Brilliant Catalyst at Ontario Tech University, recognizing their successful completion of the program.
The micro-credential is issued by Brilliant Catalyst at Ontario Tech University and signifies verified learning in artificial intelligence (AI), energy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Participants may choose to add it to their LinkedIn profile, resume, or professional portfolio.
Digital certificates and micro-credentials will be issued shortly after the training portion of the program is completed.
Brilliant Catalyst will work with participants to provide support and accommodations whenever possible. However, participants are expected to remain engaged and make consistent progress throughout the program. If participation requirements are not met, the spot may need to be offered to another applicant.
Participants will have access to a variety of supports throughout the training experience, including learning resources and training materials, live and recorded learning sessions, expert mentorship, access to guest speakers, and one-on-one support from the Brilliant Catalyst team. These supports are designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen their skills, and succeed throughout the program.
Yes, participants will have opportunities to receive mentorship, guidance, and feedback from Brilliant Catalyst staff, instructors, and community partners throughout the training experience.
Training materials will be accessible through the online platform. Certain resources and templates may be downloadable for personal reference.
All sales are final, and refunds will not be issued.
Yes, participants will receive paid full-time employment during the placement portion of the program.
Placements are matched based on participant interests, skills, and employer availability. Opportunities may include roles related to innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, AI, business development, administration, communications, and more.
The program is designed to support long-term employability by equipping participants with hands-on work experience, transferable professional skills, industry exposure, networking opportunities, and professional references that can support future employment.
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