Facing challenges in today’s job market is increasingly common. Recognizing this, the Better Jobs Ontario program, formerly known as Second Career, has expanded to offer crucial support. Effective April 29, 2022, this program now better assists individuals such as gig workers, young adults, and those receiving social assistance who are navigating difficulties in finding stable employment. If you’ve been unemployed for six months or more and are part of a low-income household, these program enhancements could be highly beneficial for you.
To fully understand how Better Jobs Ontario can aid your career transition, delve into the information provided on this page and connect with an Employment Ontario service provider in your local area. They can offer personalized guidance and support as you explore your options for applying for a second career program.
Program Overview
Better Jobs Ontario is designed to equip eligible individuals with the resources needed to pursue in-demand careers. The program offers two primary forms of support:
- Skills Training for In-Demand Jobs: Access training programs that align with current labor market needs, enhancing your employability.
- Financial Support: Receive monetary assistance to alleviate the financial burdens associated with retraining.
Eligible applicants can access up to $28,000 to cover various essential costs, including:
- Tuition Fees: Funding for your educational program.
- Textbooks and Learning Materials: Coverage for required course materials.
- Mandatory Instructional Costs: Support for student fees, essential supplies, and necessary electronic devices for learning.
- Transportation Expenses: Assistance with travel costs to attend 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 depending on individual circumstances, such as:
- Childcare Costs: Assistance for parents needing childcare while in training.
- Disability-Related Support Services: Accommodations and services for individuals with disabilities.
- Living Away From Home Allowance: Support for those who need to relocate for training.
- Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) and/or Language Training: Funding for foundational skills enhancement if needed.
Training Program Duration
Better Jobs Ontario is structured to facilitate a swift return to the workforce. Consequently, the program prioritizes training programs that can be completed within 52 weeks or less, including focused micro-credential programs. This approach ensures you gain relevant skills efficiently and can re-enter employment sooner.
For individuals interested in pursuing longer training durations exceeding one year, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers a combination of grants and loans to assist with postsecondary education expenses. This allows for more extended educational pathways if desired.
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a Second Career Program
To be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- Lay-off Status: You have been laid off from a previous job and are either not currently working or are engaged in temporary employment solely to meet immediate financial needs.
- Long-Term Unemployment: You have not been laid off but have been unemployed for six months or longer and are part of a low-income household. This criterion acknowledges the challenges faced by those experiencing prolonged joblessness.
Importantly, you are still eligible to apply 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 Option for COVID-19 Related Lay-offs
Recognizing the unique impact of the pandemic, Better Jobs Ontario includes a fast-track application stream specifically for individuals laid off due to COVID-19. This expedited process aims to quickly retrain individuals for jobs in sectors demonstrating strong future employment prospects.
You may qualify for this faster approval process if your application meets all of the following criteria:
- Lay-off Date: You were laid off on or after March 1, 2020, marking the onset of significant pandemic-related economic impacts.
- Educational Background 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 specific on-the-job training. Examples include roles in food and beverage service, flight attendants, and retail salespersons.
- Industry Sector Affected: Your lay-off occurred in an industry heavily impacted by the pandemic, such as hospitality and food services, transportation and warehousing, or wholesale and retail trade.
- Training for Priority Sectors: You are seeking training for a career in a provincially identified priority sector, aligning your new skills with areas of high demand and growth.
How to Apply for Better Jobs Ontario
The application process for Better Jobs Ontario is designed to be supportive and accessible. To apply for this second career program, you will need to collaborate with an Employment Ontario agency. These agencies are staffed with professionals trained to guide you through each step:
- Program Suitability Assessment: Agency staff will help you determine if Better Jobs Ontario is the right program to meet your career goals and circumstances.
- Application Assistance: They will provide comprehensive support in completing your application, ensuring all necessary information is accurately presented.
To begin your application, locate an agency within your community and schedule an appointment. These agencies serve as your primary point of contact and support system throughout the application process for applying for a second career program.
Preparing Your Application Documents
When preparing to apply for Better Jobs Ontario, you will need to gather specific documentation and information to support your application. This may include demonstrating:
- Duration of Unemployment: Proof of how long you have been unemployed or in temporary work and actively seeking stable employment.
- Job Search Activities: Records of job applications submitted and positions you have applied for, showcasing your efforts to find work.
- Educational Qualifications: Documentation of your highest level of education attained.
- Employment History: Details of your previous employment, including the duration of employment and the skills required in those roles.
- Desired Skills and Training: Information on the specific skills you aim to acquire and where you plan to receive training.
The level of financial support provided through Better Jobs Ontario is determined based on individual needs and the availability of program funding.
As part of your application, you will need to provide information for a financial needs assessment. This includes:
- Training Cost Estimates: An overview of anticipated costs to be covered during your training program.
- Household Income Details: Information regarding your gross (pre-tax) household income to assess financial eligibility.
Selecting a Training Institution
A crucial step in applying for a second career program through Better Jobs Ontario is researching and selecting appropriate training institutions. You are required to research at least three training institutions to ensure they offer the specific training you need. Your research must include at least:
- One College of Applied Arts and Technology: Explore programs offered at Ontario’s public colleges.
- One Private Career College: Investigate relevant programs at registered private career colleges.
However, you are only required to research a single training institution if you meet either of the following conditions:
- Self-Funded Tuition: You are prepared to pay for your tuition and training costs independently, indicating a potentially streamlined process.
- Fast-Track Application: You are applying through the fast-track stream for COVID-19 related lay-offs, which may simplify institutional research requirements.
Utilize the provided resources to find a college of applied arts or technology or private career college in your vicinity to begin your institutional research. This step is vital to ensuring you choose a training program that aligns with your career aspirations and the requirements of Better Jobs Ontario.
