Better Jobs Ontario

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career)

Better Jobs Ontario is an Ontario government program that helps laid-off and unemployed individuals to train for new careers in emerging sectors of the economy. It covers up to $28,000 (or more, in some cases) for tuition and expenses such as books, travel, transportation, disability supports, and basic living costs. This cost-sharing grant is provided based on need, so applicants may be asked to contribute to their education.

The Better Jobs Ontario program aims to help people rejoin the workforce quickly. That’s why the program is focusing on supporting training programs that take 52 weeks or less, 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.

What is involved?

Step 1:

The first step with Better Jobs Ontario funding, is for you to meet with an employment counselor (Meta, Career Edge, Loyalist Community Employment Services)

Several factors are considered when determining who will receive funding:

  • 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)

Step 2:

Explore Loyalist College’s full-time programs. At Loyalist, most certificate and diploma programs that can be completed within 52 weeks or less are eligible for Better Jobs Ontario funding.

You may also be eligible for Distance Education diploma/certificate programs that can be completed in the Loyalist College eLab or in another learning facility such as Contact North, or from home for students who are unable to physically attend Loyalist College. Visit loyalistfocus.com for detailed program information.   

Step 3:

Go to the Ontario Colleges’ website to apply to a full-time program online. Complete the application and pay the application fee. Once you have been accepted to your program, please get in touch with the Better Jobs Ontario contact for your campus for your detailed Better Jobs Ontario acceptance letter. This letter will describe the terms of your acceptance, the length of the program, start and end dates as well as scheduled breaks, tuition and compulsory fees, books, and any other fees related to your program. When you have been approved for funding, you will sign your contract with a Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) representative. A copy of this signed contract or a fee of $150 (subject to change) will secure your seat in your program.

What Loyalist College offers: 

At Loyalist College, Better Jobs Ontario-funded students receive support from faculty and staff who truly care that you are getting the most out of your College experience – academically, socially, and personally. Loyalist College offers a number of Student Success services, including:

  • Academic Skills Centre and Peer Tutoring
  • Student Success Mentors
  • Academic Centre for Testing
  • Mind and Wellness Services
  • Indigenous Resource Centre
  • Access Ability Centre

Contact us

Belleville campus
Sara Kelleher
pathways@loyalistcollege.com
613-969-1913, ext. 2330

Belleville eLab
Shannon Banfield
613-969-1913, ext. 2565
elab@loyalistcollege.com

Bancroft campus
Lisa Woodcock
lwoodcock@loyalistcollege.com
613-332-1743, ext. 4237