Better Jobs Ontario (Second Career Ontario)

Attention, jobseekers! Are you currently unemployed or working temporary jobs to stay afloat? We’ve got news for you!

The Better Jobs Ontario Program (Second Career) will now provide financial assistance to more Ontarians, extending their support to people other than those laid off during the pandemic. As per the latest updates, the program will now provide assistance to newcomers, gig workers, youth unemployed for over six months, and the self-employed, among others.

This program supports individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, providing financial assistance and training opportunities. It aims to help Ontarians gain the skills necessary to secure better job prospects. As for how much you can get, eligible participants can receive financial support ranging from $28,000 to $35,000, which can be utilized for training and education purposes. Additionally, individuals may receive up to $500 per week to assist with living expenses while they pursue their training.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Better Jobs Ontario (Second Career), you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a resident of Ontario.
• Individuals working temporary jobs to pay bills can also apply.
• Newcomers, gig workers, and self-employed can also apply. 
• The duration of the education program to learn new skills should be 52 weeks or less. Since Better Jobs Ontario (Second Career) aims to help Ontarians join the workforce ASAP, those who enroll in courses over 52 weeks of duration should seek financial assistance from OSAP. 
• Those receiving Employment Insurance can still apply for this program.

How to Apply

Gather together the following information to unlock your potential within the Better Jobs Ontario program:

• Your financial information such as gross annual family income and current expenses.
•  Your school information such as cost for tuition, books, and other training-related activities for the course you wish to pursue. Please include information for a minimum of three schools that offer your desired program.
• Your employment information such as how long you have been unemployed or working temporary jobs; how many jobs have you applied for along with the resume, cover letter, and responses from potential employers if any; details of your previous employment in terms of salary, period of employment, skills required, etc.
• Your current education qualification and the skill you wish to add to your repertoire.

Applications that meet the following criteria have greater chances of being fast-tracked:

• Laid off and not currently working.
• Laid off but working a temporary job to cover costs.
• Not laid off, but unemployed for 12 weeks or longer and part of a low-income household.
• Receiving Employment Insurance (EI).
• Receiving Ontario Works (OW).
• Receiving Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Contact a career counsellor at your chosen College or University to take the next step toward funding for a new career!

How Much Can I Get

The amount of money that you can get from Better Jobs Ontario (Second Career) depends on three things:  your annual financial income, your living expenses, and the cost of pursuing a skill-learning program.  

While you can receive up to $35,000 as financial assistance, the actual amount would depend upon your financial need that is calculated depending on how much you can contribute towards education programs to acquire new skills. You can expect the funding to cover your travel expenses, tuition fee, workbooks, manuals and more. You can also be eligible for a ‘basic living allowance’ of up to $500 per week. The good thing about the program is that it may also fund childcare and disability support costs. 

Other Student Aid options

If you don’t qualify for Better Jobs Ontario due to the duration of the course being more than 52 weeks or your application not being fast-tracked, check out other Ontario provincial programs such as OSAP, Ontario Student Scholarships, Ontario Student Bursaries, and more.

Make the best use of the opportunity provided by Better Jobs Ontario (Second Career Ontario) to attain new skill sets that will set you up for success in your career.