Are you facing challenges in finding stable employment or considering a career change? Better Jobs Ontario, formerly known as Second Career, is a program designed to provide you with the skills and financial support needed to embark on a new career path in Ontario. This expanded program now offers greater opportunities for individuals, including gig workers, youth, and those receiving social assistance, who have been unemployed for six months or longer and are part of a low-income household.
To explore how Better Jobs Ontario can help you achieve your career goals, delve into the details provided below and connect with an Employment Ontario service provider in your area.
Better Jobs Ontario: Your Pathway to a New Career
Better Jobs Ontario is a government initiative that empowers eligible individuals to pursue in-demand job training, coupled with essential financial aid.
The program can provide up to $28,000 to cover various expenses, such as:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Mandatory instructional costs, encompassing student fees, supplies, and necessary electronic devices
- Transportation expenses
- Basic living allowance, offering up to $500 per week
Furthermore, additional financial assistance may be available to address specific needs, including:
- Childcare expenses
- Disability-related support services
- Accommodation costs for those living away from home for training
- Access to Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs and/or language training
Streamlined Training for Swift Re-employment
Recognizing the urgency of rejoining the workforce, Better Jobs Ontario prioritizes training programs that can be completed within 52 weeks or less. This includes focused micro-credential programs designed for rapid skill acquisition.
For individuals seeking longer training durations, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers a combination of grants and loans to support post-secondary education costs.
Are You Eligible for a Second Career Program in Ontario?
You may be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have been laid off from a previous job and are currently unemployed or working in temporary positions to cover immediate expenses.
- You have been unemployed for six months or longer and belong to a low-income household, even if you were not laid off.
Importantly, you can still qualify for Better Jobs Ontario while receiving financial assistance from:
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Fast-Track Option for COVID-19 Impacted Workers
Understanding the pandemic’s impact, Better Jobs Ontario offers a fast-track application stream for individuals laid off due to COVID-19 who are seeking retraining in sectors with strong future job prospects.
You may be eligible for this accelerated process if you meet these criteria:
- You were laid off on or after March 1, 2020.
- Your highest level of education is high school or less, and you were laid off from an occupation that typically requires no more than a high school education and job-specific training, such as roles in food service, transportation, or retail.
- You were laid off from an industry significantly affected by the pandemic, such as hospitality, food services, transportation, warehousing, or retail trade.
- You are committed to pursuing training for a career in a provincially recognized priority sector with high demand.
How to Apply for Better Jobs Ontario
To begin your application for Better Jobs Ontario, you will need to connect with an Employment Ontario agency. These agencies are staffed with trained professionals who can:
- Assess your suitability for the program and determine if it aligns with your career goals.
- Provide comprehensive assistance in completing your application.
Locate an agency within your community and schedule an appointment to start your journey towards a second career. Agency staff will guide you in gathering the necessary documentation and information to support your Better Jobs Ontario application.
Preparing a Strong Application
When preparing your application, be ready to provide information demonstrating:
- The duration of your unemployment or temporary employment and your active job search efforts.
- Details of job applications submitted and positions sought.
- Your highest level of education.
- Your previous employment history, including job duration and required skills.
- Your desired new skills and identified training providers.
The level of financial support provided through Better Jobs Ontario is determined based on individual needs and the program’s available funding.
As part of your application, you will need to provide financial information for a needs assessment, including:
- An estimate of your training-related costs.
- Your gross (pre-tax) household income.
Selecting Your Training Institution
As part of your research, you are required to explore at least three training institutions that offer your desired program. This research must include:
- At least one College of Applied Arts and Technology.
- At least one Private Career College.
This requirement is reduced to researching only one institution if you are:
- Self-funding your tuition and training expenses.
- Applying through the fast-track application process.
Find a College of Applied Arts or Technology or Private Career College in your area to begin your educational journey.
