Better Jobs Ontario program

Better Jobs Ontario supports unemployed and low-income Ontarians by funding vocational training that leads to employment in in-demand occupations with strong job prospects.

Government of Ontario

Overview of the Better Jobs Ontario program program:

Better Jobs Ontario (BJO), formerly known as Second Career, is an Ontario government initiative that assists unemployed or low-income individuals with barriers to employment in accessing skills training for high-demand occupations. Administered by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), the program is part of Employment Ontario’s integrated suite of services. BJO targets individuals who lack the financial means to pursue training on their own, including those affected by layoffs, long-term unemployment, or precarious work. Applicants must either have been laid off and be unemployed, or be part of a low-income household with limited attachment to the labour market. They must also demonstrate occupational demand and local or provincial employment prospects for the proposed training program. BJO covers training programs up to 52 weeks (with some exceptions) and supports both full- and part-time skills training, including micro-credentials, language training, and literacy and basic skills if they are prerequisites for employment. The program has multiple assessment layers: eligibility, suitability, and financial need. Suitability is determined based on active job search history, unemployment duration, education, work history, and other factors. Applicants must generally score a minimum of 16 points in the assessment tool. Financial assistance is based on income and household size, and may cover tuition, living expenses, transportation, dependent care, disability needs, and other training-related costs. Special provisions are available for individuals with disabilities or exceptional circumstances. The program can also accommodate retraining for individuals impacted by industry downturns or technological shifts.

Benefits of the Better Jobs Ontario program program:

Covers the cost of tuition, instructional materials, transportation, and basic living expenses
Provides financial support for child and dependent care
Offers funding for individuals with disabilities and those living away from home during training
Enables access to in-demand vocational training, including micro-credentials and bundled programs
Offers flexible support for part-time training or life interruptions (illness, family emergencies)
Fast Track stream available for workers affected by COVID-19 and sector disruptions
Supports re-entry to training for those impacted by significant life events

Eligibility criteria of the Better Jobs Ontario program program:

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be unemployed and laid off, OR
Be from a low-income household with limited labour market attachment
Be a resident of Ontario and legally authorized to work in Canada
Have a training goal in a vocational occupation with proven demand and job prospects
Not have started training prior to approval
Not have received Ontario-funded training in the last 2 years (with some exceptions)
Not be ineligible under OSAP rules for misinformation or document issues
Must score at least 16 points in the Suitability Assessment (unless in Fast Track Stream)
Special eligibility is extended to individuals:
On social assistance
Youth (1529), newcomers, people with disabilities, and gig workers
With 900-series SINs and valid open work permits (e.g., CUAET visitors, protected persons)