Have you been 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? The landscape of employment is constantly evolving, and sometimes, a fresh start is what’s needed to secure a fulfilling and sustainable career. If you’ve been unemployed for six months or more and are part of a low-income household in Ontario, there’s a program designed to help you get back on your feet and into a better job. Originally 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 to enhance their skills and career prospects.
To understand how Better Jobs Ontario can be your pathway to a brighter professional future, explore the details below and connect with an Employment Ontario service provider in your local area. They are equipped to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Understanding Better Jobs Ontario: An Overview
Better Jobs Ontario is a program provided by the Ontario government aimed at equipping eligible individuals with the necessary skills training for in-demand jobs and offering crucial financial support during their training period. This initiative recognizes that sometimes, individuals need assistance to pivot their careers or gain new skills to meet the demands of the current job market.
The program can provide up to $28,000 to cover various essential costs associated with retraining, including:
- Tuition fees: Covering the cost of your training program.
- Books and learning materials: Ensuring you have the necessary resources for your studies.
- Other instructional expenses: This includes student fees, essential supplies, and even electronic devices that are required for your training.
- Transportation costs: Helping you get to and from your training location.
- Basic living allowance: Providing up to $500 per week to assist with your living expenses while you are focused on your training.
Furthermore, Better Jobs Ontario understands that individuals may have additional needs. Therefore, additional funding may be available to support:
- Childcare expenses: To ensure parents can participate in training without childcare being a barrier.
- Disability-related support services: To provide necessary accommodations and assistance for individuals with disabilities.
- Living away from home: If your training requires you to live away from your primary residence.
- Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) and/or language training: To help individuals upgrade their foundational skills if needed before or during job-specific training.
Program Length and Focus
Recognizing the urgency of re-entering the workforce, Better Jobs Ontario prioritizes efficiency. The program is designed to support training programs that are 52 weeks or less in duration. This includes shorter, focused programs such as micro-credential programs, which provide specialized skills in a shorter timeframe.
For individuals seeking longer training durations exceeding one year, the Ontario government offers the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). OSAP provides a combination of grants and loans to help finance postsecondary education. Better Jobs Ontario is specifically tailored for quicker re-skilling and rapid re-employment.
Who is Eligible for Better Jobs Ontario? Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario, you must meet specific criteria related to your employment situation. You may qualify if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Laid-off individuals: If you have been laid off from a previous job and are currently not working or are only engaged in temporary employment to meet immediate financial needs.
- Long-term unemployed: If you have not been laid off but have been unemployed for six months or longer and are part of a low-income household.
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 Stream for COVID-19 Related Layoffs
The Better Jobs Ontario program is accessible to all eligible unemployed job seekers. However, a fast-track application process is in place for individuals who were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are seeking retraining in sectors with strong future employment prospects.
You may be eligible for this accelerated approval if your application meets all of the following conditions:
- Layoff date: You were laid off on or after March 1, 2020, when the pandemic began to significantly impact employment.
- Education and previous occupation: You have a high school education or less, and your previous occupation from which you were laid off typically required no more than a high school education and some job-specific training. Examples of such occupations include food and beverage servers, flight attendants, and retail salespersons.
- Industry sector: You were laid off from an industry significantly impacted by the pandemic, such as hospitality and food services, transportation and warehousing, or wholesale and retail trade.
- Training goals: You are seeking training for a career that is in demand within a provincial priority sector. This ensures that your retraining leads to employment opportunities in growing fields.
How to Apply for Better Jobs Ontario: Your Application Journey
To begin your application for Better Jobs Ontario, you will need to connect with an Employment Ontario agency in your community. These agencies are staffed with trained professionals who can provide personalized assistance throughout the application process.
The staff at these agencies are there to:
- Assess your suitability: Help you determine if Better Jobs Ontario is the right program to meet your career goals and circumstances.
- Application assistance: Provide guidance and support in completing your application accurately and effectively.
To find an agency near you, you can search online through the Employment Ontario website and make an appointment to discuss your situation and begin the application process.
Preparing Your Application: Gathering Necessary Information
When you prepare your application for Better Jobs Ontario, you will likely need to provide documentation and information to demonstrate your eligibility and needs. This may include showing:
- Duration of unemployment: How long you have been unemployed or working in a temporary job and actively seeking permanent employment.
- Job search activities: Details of places you have applied for jobs and the specific positions you have sought.
- Educational background: Your highest level of education achieved.
- Previous work history: Information about your past employment, including the duration of your employment and the skills required in those roles.
- Training interests: The specific skills you are looking to acquire through training and where you plan to receive this training.
The level of financial support provided through Better Jobs Ontario is determined based on your individual needs and the availability of program funding.
As part of your application, you will need to provide information to support a financial needs assessment. This includes details about:
- Training-related costs: An overview of the costs you anticipate needing to cover during your training period.
- Household income: Your gross (pre-tax) household income to assess financial eligibility.
School Information: Choosing Your Training Institution
As part of your application preparation, you are required to research potential training institutions to ensure they offer the specific training you need to achieve your career goals. Generally, you are asked to research at least three training institutions, including:
- One College of Applied Arts and Technology: Ontario Colleges offer a wide range of career-focused programs.
- One Private Career College: These colleges provide specialized, vocational training in various fields.
However, you are only required to research one training institution if either of the following applies to you:
- Self-funded tuition: If you are prepared to pay for your tuition and training costs independently without program funding.
- Fast-track application: If you are applying through the fast-track process for COVID-19 related layoffs.
You can find a College of Applied Arts or Technology or Private Career College in your vicinity through the provided links to begin your research.
Better Jobs Ontario, formerly known as the Second Career program, is a valuable resource for individuals in Ontario seeking to enhance their skills and transition into in-demand careers. By providing financial assistance and support for training, this program aims to empower individuals to achieve long-term employment success and contribute to Ontario’s workforce. Contact an Employment Ontario agency today to explore how Better Jobs Ontario can help you build a better future.
