Better Jobs Ontario Information
Effective April 29, 2022, the Second Career program was expanded to better help people who may face challenges finding stable jobs such as gig workers, youth and people on social assistance. If you have been unemployed for six months or longer, and are part of a low-income household, you may benefit from these changes. To better reflect the expansion of the program, the program was renamed Better Jobs Ontario. To access Better Jobs Ontario you will need to visit our office. Our Employment Specialists can help you take the first step. Eligibility and suitability requirements and guidelines do change, so it is advisable to see one of our staff for the most current information.
What is Better Jobs Ontario?
- skills training for in-demand jobs
- financial support
- tuition
- books
- other instructional costs, including student fees, supplies and electronic devices
- transportation
- basic living allowance (up to $500 per week)
Who Can Apply?
Individuals that have been laid-off since January, 2005, including worker who have taken interim jobs to make ends meet, and who require skills training for employment in demand occupations in Ontario are eligible to apply.
As well, a fast-track stream is available if you were laid-off because of COVID-19 and want to retrain for jobs in sectors that have potential for future employment.
If your application meets all the following criteria, you will go through a faster approval process, giving you access to training sooner:
- You were laid-off on or after March 1, 2020.
- You have a high school education or less, you were laid-off from an occupation requiring no more than a high school education and job-specific training, such as food and beverage servers, flight attendants and retail salespersons.
- You were laid-off from an industry hit hard by the pandemic, such as hospitality and food services, transportation and warehousing or wholesale and retail trade.
- You want to train for a career in demand in a local community or provincial priority area.
You can still apply if you receive either:
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
How Do I Apply?
Talk with our Employment Specialists about your experience, skills and interests. Explore the options that may be right for you. Together you can develop a personal plan to return to work.
Choose a new career with good job prospects in your area. Once you decide on a career, you will need proof that the job is in demand in your area. You need to research courses offered by three institutions such as, a community college or a private career college.
After research gathering is complete, prepare and submit an application with your Employment Specialist for financial assistance from Better Jobs Ontario. The application with then be forwarded to the Ministry. All negotiation and determining your actual contribution to retraining will be done through the Ministry.
