If you’re searching for second career funding Ontario, you’re not wrong — but the program has a new name. Ontario’s former Second Career program is now called Better Jobs Ontario, with updated funding rules for 2025–2026. The goal is the same: help laid‑off or low‑income workers retrain for in‑demand jobs, with funding of up to $35,000.
This page focuses on what’s current, what’s changed, and how you can qualify under the Better Jobs Ontario framework.
Better Jobs Ontario is the official successor to Second Career funding in Ontario. If you see older articles or forums mentioning “Second Career,” they are almost always referring to this same program under its previous name.
Eligible applicants can receive:
This funding is not a loan. You do not pay it back if you meet the program requirements.
Better Jobs Ontario funding can include:
All supports are assessed individually through your Employment Ontario caseworker.
Eligibility is assessed case by case, but you typically need to meet all of the following conditions:
Additional requirements include:
Priority is often given to applicants retraining for sectors with clear labour shortages, such as skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Better Jobs Ontario does not fund every course. Your training must:
Examples of commonly approved training include:
For related options, you may also want to explore:
You cannot apply online directly. Applications are handled through Employment Ontario service providers.
The process usually looks like this:
Processing times vary, so starting early matters. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter Ontario training and funding programs before speaking with a service provider.
Assuming Second Career no longer exists
The name changed, not the funding. Better Jobs Ontario is Second Career funding under a new framework.
Choosing training before approval
If you register or pay tuition before approval, your costs may not be covered.
Picking programs without job demand
Training must link to real employment opportunities in Ontario.
Waiting too long to apply
Funding decisions can take weeks. Late applications often miss intake deadlines.
Q: Is Second Career funding Ontario still available in 2026?
Yes. It is now called Better Jobs Ontario, with updated funding rules and higher maximum support.
Q: What is the maximum Better Jobs Ontario funding amount?
Up to $35,000 for training longer than one year, or $28,000 for programs one year or less.
Q: Does Better Jobs Ontario pay for living expenses?
Yes. You may receive up to $500 per week for basic living costs, depending on your situation.
Q: Can I apply if I quit my job?
Generally no. The program focuses on laid‑off or involuntarily unemployed workers, though exceptions may apply in rare cases.
Q: Is Better Jobs Ontario a loan?
No. It is a grant. You do not repay it if you comply with program rules.
GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant and training programs across Canada — including Better Jobs Ontario and other provincial retraining options. Checking which programs match your work history, income level, and career goals can save you weeks of trial and error.
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