Better Jobs Ontario Funding (Second Career)
Better Jobs Ontario
Thinking of returning to school, but not sure how to pay for it?
Better Jobs Ontario may be an option for you.
Better Jobs Ontario (formerly known as Second Career) is a Government of Ontario initiative to help people who are unemployed, or laid off, update their skills and training to get a better job. If you qualify, you could be eligible for up to $28,000. These funds would go towards your tuition, book fees and other costs related to your chosen program, such as First Aid Training. The funds can also go toward your transportation and living expenses. Have a family to support? Additional funds are also available for child care, disability accommodations, living away from home, and, in some cases, academic upgrading.
Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more about the Better Jobs Ontario program, visit the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-labour-training-skills-development.
Before beginning the application procedure, you must speak to an Employment Consultant from our Community Employment Services centre nearest you. All you have to do is call and set up an appointment, and they will point you in the right direction.
Eligibility will be determined by your Employment Consultant, based on a points system.
In order to apply for funding, you must first speak with an Employment Consultant to determine your eligibility. If you are eligible for funding, your Employment Consultant will give you more information regarding the application procedure. Research must be done on the field of study you wish to pursue and the labour market trends for that industry.
You may also be required to find employment advertisements for the particular field of study you wish to pursue. You will also be required to obtain a Better Jobs Ontario letter of support for your application from Northern College’s Employment Consultant to be included in your application to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. This letter will identify if you meet admission requirements for your chosen program, or if you require upgrading.
To apply to Northern College, please visit ontariocolleges.ca for program availability and to apply through the Ontario Colleges Application System (OCAS). There, you will find information regarding the status of your chosen program, as well as how to apply.
If you are in need of academic upgrading, please contact 1-705-235-6841.
Better Jobs Ontario funding is released on a schedule outlined in your contract with your case representative. The tuition component of your funding will come directly to the College; however, funds that need to be paid to the College, such as ancillary, college and book fees, will be released to you. You need to ensure that this money gets paid to the College immediately, as if it is not, you will owe the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development the remaining balance.
If you think you need help with your finances, speak to Student Services or the Employment Consultant for more information and clarification.
Any questions about your contract must be discussed with your case representative. If you have problems contacting your representative, see the Employment Consultant with our Community Employment Services for help.
If you pay more for your books than what is issued by Better Jobs Ontario funding, contact the Employment Consultant at Northern College, as they will need to issue you a letter of amendment. This letter will be sent to your case representative, and the balance paid will be refunded to you.
Programs eligible for funding include:
- Animal Grooming
- Business Fundamentals
- Office Administration –General
- Personal Support Worker
- Diamond Drilling Assistant Common Core
- Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core
- Veterinary Assistant
- Mechanical Technician
- Welding Fitter
- Health Care Management
- General Arts and Sciences
- Pre-Health Sciences
Programs Available via Distance Delivery
- Business Fundamentals
- Mineral Exploration Techniques
- Office Administration – General