Ontario’s skills training and workforce development funding helps people return to work when their current skills do not match local job needs. These programs focus on jobs that employers are looking to fill right now. Training is short and leads to clear job opportunities. One of the main options is the Second Career Program, now called Better Jobs Ontario.
If you are an employer or worker, knowing how this funding works can help you get support for training costs.
The Second Career Program, now known as Better Jobs Ontario, is a workforce development program run by the Ontario government. It gives skills training and financial help to people who need to retrain for new jobs.
The funding goes to individuals, but it also helps Ontario’s economy by filling gaps in health care, skilled trades, technology, and manufacturing.
Better Jobs Ontario funding can help pay for:
The amount you can get depends on your program length:
Eligible training includes:
Eligibility is based on your work situation and need for retraining. You may qualify if you:
You may still qualify if you get Employment Insurance or social assistance.
Applications are handled by Employment Ontario service providers, not directly by the government.
Getting skills training and workforce development funding in Ontario is not automatic. You must follow a set process.
Here is how Better Jobs Ontario usually works:
Meet with an Employment Ontario provider
Book an appointment with a local service provider. They will look at your work history, skills, and job options.
Pick an eligible training program
The training must match in-demand jobs and be offered by an approved school.
Show there is job demand
You need to prove jobs are available after training. This can include job postings or labour market reports.
Submit a full application
The provider helps you fill out and send your application. You must include costs, timelines, and job outcomes.
Get a funding decision
If approved, you get funding based on your training plan and expenses.
If you are comparing many training or workforce funding options, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you sort programs by province and industry.
Ontario’s skills training and workforce development funding is built for speed and relevance. These grants focus on:
For businesses, this means more skilled local workers. For individuals, it lowers the cost and risk of retraining for a new job.
If you want to know how training costs work with other supports, see What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?.
Not applying through a service provider
You must apply through an Employment Ontario service provider. Skipping this step can delay or stop your application.
Choosing training without job demand
If the program does not lead to jobs in demand, your application may be declined. Job outcomes are as important as the training itself.
Missing costs in your budget
If you forget to include books, supplies, or transportation, you may have trouble even if tuition is paid.
Applying too late
Training start dates matter. Funding decisions take time. Applying late may mean you miss important deadlines.
Besides Better Jobs Ontario, there are other supports for skills training and workforce development in Ontario. Some examples include:
Each program has its own rules and funding limits. Checking eligibility and deadlines is important. If you want to compare these programs, GrantHub lists hundreds of active grants and training funds across Canada.
Q: Is the Second Career Program the same as Better Jobs Ontario?
Yes. Second Career is now called Better Jobs Ontario. The program still focuses on skills training for in-demand jobs.
Q: How much funding can I get through Better Jobs Ontario?
You can get up to $28,000 for programs one year or less, and up to $35,000 for programs longer than one year and up to two years.
Q: What types of training are eligible?
Eligible training includes short-term programs, micro-credentials, and longer programs up to two years, if they lead to jobs in demand in Ontario.
Q: Can I apply if I get income assistance?
Yes. Some types of income assistance do not disqualify you, but your situation will be reviewed during the application process.
Q: Is Better Jobs Ontario funding taxable?
Some parts of the funding may be taxable. Ask your service provider or a tax professional for advice.
Skills training and workforce development funding in Ontario works best when you pick training that matches real job demand. Programs like the Second Career Program can make retraining more affordable and help you get back to work faster.
If you want to see how this funding compares with other provincial or federal options, GrantHub can help you review programs and see where you may qualify.
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