Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career)

Better Jobs Ontario 

Get skills training and financial support when you qualify for Better Jobs Ontario 

Are you unemployed, facing challenges such as finding a stable job? Are you a gig worker, youth or person collecting social assistance? If you have been unemployed for six months or longer, and are part of a low-income household, you may benefit from Better Jobs Ontario.

What is Better Jobs Ontario? 

Better Jobs Ontario provides eligible applicants with skills training for in-demand jobs and financial support up to $28,000 for costs including:

• tuition
• books
• transportation
• student fees such as supplies and electronic devices
• basic living allowance of up to $500 per week

The program may also provide funding for:

• childcare
• disability-related supports
• living away from home
• literacy and basic skills (LBS) and/or language training

Better Jobs Ontario aims to help you rejoin the workforce quickly. That’s why the program focuses on training programs that take 52 weeks or less to complete, including micro-credential programs.

If you want to attend training longer than one year, you can apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for a mix of grants and loans to help you pay for your postsecondary education. To learn more about OSAP, click here.

Qualifying for Better Jobs Ontario 

You qualify for Better Jobs Ontario if you either:

• have been laid-off and have not been working or are working a temporary job just to cover costs
• have not been laid-off but have been unemployed for six months or longer and are part of a low-income household

You can still apply if you receive either:

• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Ontario Works (OW)
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

We’re here to help 

The YMCA Employment Services team will help you apply for Better Jobs Ontario. We will support you through your job search and assist you to find employment.

Sign up to meet with one of our informative staff today to discuss your future career or an information session about Better Jobs Ontario.