Better Jobs Ontario

The Ontario government’s Better Jobs Ontario program is a cost-sharing grant that helps laid-off workers with skills training that prepares them for jobs in the fields which are and will be in demand. Applicants who qualify can receive financial help for payment towards tuition, books and supplies, transportation and living expenses associated with their education.
The Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) will grant each qualified student up to a maximum of $28,000 to cover tuition, books, transportation and living expenses for up to two years. Successful applicants may be required to contribute towards their training. As per the MCU guidelines, the program must be no more than two years in length and should lead to a specified career path, and should allow the students to pursue one year of academic upgrading, if required.

Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) – Get Funding for Career Training

Better Jobs Ontario is a government grant program that helps unemployed or underemployed Ontarians get the skills they need for in-demand jobs — fast. If you're thinking about training for a new career, this program can cover your tuition and other major costs.

1. What is Better Jobs Ontario?

Better Jobs Ontario (formerly known as Second Career) is a funding program by the Government of Ontario. It helps people who are unemployed, laid off, or in low-income jobs retrain for new careers in high-demand industries. The program provides financial support for eligible training programs offered at colleges — including private career colleges like ours.

2. What Does the Grant Cover?

If you qualify, Better Jobs Ontario can help pay for:

Tuition fees
Books and supplies
Transportation
Basic living expenses (up to $500 per week)
Childcare, disability supports, and more (based on need)

Funding Limits:

Up to $28,000 for training programs 1 year or less
Up to $35,000 for longer programs (in certain cases)

3. Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if:

You’ve been laid off and are currently unemployed or underemployed
You’ve been unemployed for 6+ months and are from a low-income household
You’re on Ontario Works (OW) or ODSP
You’re a gig worker, youth, or newcomer struggling to get stable employment
You can show that training will lead to a job in demand

Eligibility is assessed by an Employment Ontario service provider, and each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

4. What Programs Can You Take?

You can take full-time, industry-recognized training programs that:

Are in demand in Ontario’s job market
Can be completed in 1–2 years
Lead to a job with strong employment prospects
Are offered at registered private career colleges, community colleges, or approved training institutions

Examples of eligible training:
✔ Health care & PSW programs
✔ Technology & IT certifications
✔ Skilled trades training
✔ Business, logistics, and office admin programs
✔ Truck driving (AZ license)
✔ Micro-credentials and certificate programs

5. How Do I Apply?

Follow these steps:

Contact an Employment Ontario office – they’ll guide you through the application process and help assess your eligibility.
Choose your program – you’ll need to compare at least three training providers, including a public college and a private career college.
Gather your documents – such as proof of layoff, employment history, education background, and financial info.
Apply with support – your EO advisor will help you submit the full application package.

Want help? Our admissions team can walk you through the training options available and connect you with a local Employment Ontario service provider.