Are you facing challenges in finding stable employment? Perhaps you’re navigating the complexities of gig work, are a young individual entering the workforce, or are receiving social assistance? If you’ve been unemployed for six months or more and are part of a low-income household in Ontario, significant changes to a provincial program designed to help you could be your turning point. Formerly known as Second Career, the program has been expanded and renamed Better Jobs Ontario, effective April 29, 2022, to better serve a broader range of individuals seeking skills training and financial support for in-demand jobs.
To understand if Better Jobs Ontario, previously known under the umbrella of the Second Career Ontario Program List, is the right step for you, explore the details provided below and connect with an Employment Ontario service provider in your local area. They can offer personalized guidance and support throughout your application process.
What Better Jobs Ontario Offers: Skills and Financial Support
Better Jobs Ontario is designed to provide eligible Ontario residents with the resources needed to pivot into new, in-demand careers. The program offers two core components:
- Skills Training for In-Demand Jobs: Focus on training programs that are short and effective, typically lasting 52 weeks or less, including micro-credentials to quickly get you back into the workforce with relevant skills.
- Financial Support: Access up to $28,000 to cover essential costs associated with retraining. This financial aid can be used for:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Mandatory instructional expenses, including student fees, supplies, and essential digital devices for learning
- Transportation costs to and from training
- Basic Living Allowance: Receive up to $500 per week to help with living expenses during your training period.
Furthermore, additional financial support may be available based on your specific circumstances, including provisions for childcare, disability-related support services, costs associated with living away from your primary residence for training, and foundational training in Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) or language training if needed to succeed in your chosen program.
Training Program Length and OSAP
Better Jobs Ontario prioritizes rapid re-employment. Therefore, it primarily supports training programs that can be completed within 52 weeks. This focus ensures you can quickly gain the skills needed and re-enter the workforce.
For those considering longer training durations exceeding one year, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers a combination of grants and loans to help finance post-secondary education. OSAP can be a valuable resource if your career goals require more extensive academic preparation.
Eligibility for Better Jobs Ontario
To be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario, reflecting the evolution of the second career ontario program list, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Laid-off Individuals: You have been laid off from a previous job and are either not currently employed or are working in a temporary position solely to meet immediate financial needs.
- Long-Term Unemployed: You have been unemployed for a minimum of six months and belong to a low-income household. This criterion broadens the reach of the former second career ontario program list to include individuals facing prolonged unemployment.
Importantly, you can still be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario even if you are currently receiving financial assistance through:
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Fast-Track for COVID-19 Laid-offs
Recognizing the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, Better Jobs Ontario includes a fast-track application stream for individuals laid off due to COVID-19 who are aiming to retrain for sectors with strong future job prospects.
You may qualify for this accelerated process if you meet all of the following conditions:
- Layoff Date: You were laid off on or after March 1, 2020, directly due to the pandemic’s impact on industries.
- Education and Previous Occupation: You possess a high school education or less and were laid off from an occupation that typically requires no more than a high school education and brief job-specific training. Examples include roles in food and beverage service, flight attendants, and retail salespersons.
- Industry Sector: Your layoff was from an industry significantly impacted by the pandemic, such as hospitality and food services, transportation and warehousing, or wholesale and retail trade.
- Training for Priority Sectors: You are committed to training for a career that is in high demand within provincial priority sectors, ensuring your new skills align with current employment needs.
How to Apply for Better Jobs Ontario
Applying for Better Jobs Ontario involves working closely with an Employment Ontario agency. These agencies are staffed with professionals trained to:
- Assess your suitability for the program and whether it aligns with your career goals.
- Provide comprehensive assistance in completing your application accurately and effectively.
To begin your application, locate an agency in your community and schedule an appointment. Agency staff will guide you through gathering the necessary documentation and information to support your application to Better Jobs Ontario, effectively navigating what was formerly known as the second career ontario program list application process.
Preparing Your Application Documents
When preparing your application, be ready to provide documentation and details that demonstrate your eligibility and need for the program. This may include showing:
- Duration of unemployment or temporary employment and active job searching efforts.
- Records of job applications submitted and positions sought.
- Highest level of education attained.
- History of previous employment, including job duration and skills utilized.
- Desired skills to acquire and identified training providers offering relevant programs.
The level of financial support provided through Better Jobs Ontario is determined based on individual financial needs and the availability of program funding.
As part of your application for Better Jobs Ontario, you will need to provide information for a financial needs assessment, including:
- An overview of anticipated costs to be covered during your training period.
- Details of your gross (pre-tax) household income to determine financial eligibility and support level.
Researching Training Institutions
A crucial step in your application process is to research and identify suitable training institutions. You are required to research at least three training providers to ensure they offer the specific training you need. Your research must include at least:
- One College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario.
- One Private Career College registered in Ontario.
The requirement to research multiple institutions is waived if you:
- Are funding your tuition and training costs independently, without program assistance.
- Are applying through the fast-track application process, which streamlines certain requirements.
To find suitable institutions, you can consult the lists of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and Private Career Colleges in Ontario. These resources will help you identify programs that align with your career goals and the requirements of Better Jobs Ontario, an evolved form of the second career ontario program list.
