Better Jobs Ontario — training funding for your next career.
Ontario's Better Jobs Ontario program funds retraining for eligible workers. We help permanent residents and Canadian citizens understand how training connects to long-term career and immigration goals.
Up to $35,000 for approved training programs.
Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career) provides financial support for laid-off workers and underemployed Ontarians to retrain for in-demand occupations. Funding covers tuition, books, and living expenses for approved programs at Ontario colleges and private career colleges.
Who is eligible
- ✓Canadian citizens and permanent residents only — temporary residents (work permit, study permit, visitor status) are not eligible
- ✓Laid-off workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own (including those who received a Record of Employment)
- ✓Workers who are underemployed — working in a job that does not use their skills or qualifications
- ✓People receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, Ontario Works (OW), or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- ✓Applicants who can demonstrate a genuine need for retraining to find sustainable employment
- ✓Applicants who have researched the labour market and identified a realistic training goal in an in-demand field
Eligibility is assessed by an Employment Ontario service provider, not by the training institution or by CAN Immigration Firm. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval.
What is covered
- —Tuition and mandatory fees for an approved training program
- —Books, supplies, and equipment required for the program
- —Living allowance to cover basic living costs during training
- —Dependent care costs (childcare or elder care) while in training
- —Transportation costs to attend training
Up to $28,000 for programs of one year or less; up to $35,000 for programs over one year and up to two years.
What is not covered
- ✕Programs longer than two years
- ✕University degree programs (college diplomas and certificates are eligible)
- ✕Training for occupations not identified as in-demand in your local labour market
The Better Jobs Ontario application process.
Applications are submitted through an Employment Ontario service provider, not directly to the government. The process typically takes four to eight weeks from initial assessment to funding approval.
Contact an Employment Ontario service provider
Find your local Employment Ontario office through the Ontario government website. An employment counsellor will conduct an initial assessment of your eligibility and employment situation.
Labour market research
You will need to demonstrate that your chosen training leads to an in-demand occupation in your local area. Your counsellor can help identify qualifying occupations.
Select an approved training program
Choose a program at an approved Ontario college or private career college. The program must be on the approved list and lead to a credential in an in-demand field.
Submit your application
Your Employment Ontario counsellor submits the application on your behalf, including your training plan, budget, and supporting documentation.
Funding decision
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development reviews the application. Approved applicants receive a funding agreement before training begins.
CAN Immigration Firm does not submit Better Jobs Ontario applications. We advise on how training fits your immigration strategy; the application itself goes through Employment Ontario.
Fields commonly approved for Better Jobs Ontario funding.
Approved occupations vary by local labour market. The following fields are commonly identified as in-demand across Ontario, but your Employment Ontario counsellor will confirm current local priorities.
Healthcare & personal support
- —Personal support worker (PSW)
- —Registered practical nurse (RPN)
- —Medical office administration
- —Pharmacy technician
Skilled trades & construction
- —Electrician apprenticeship
- —Plumber apprenticeship
- —HVAC technician
- —Construction project management
Technology & digital
- —IT support and networking
- —Cybersecurity fundamentals
- —Data analytics
- —Web development
Business & administration
- —Accounting and bookkeeping
- —Supply chain and logistics
- —Human resources management
- —Project management
Occupation lists are updated by Employment Ontario periodically. Confirm current in-demand occupations with your local service provider before selecting a training program.
Other training and skills funding programs.
Better Jobs Ontario is the primary provincial training grant, but other programs may apply depending on your situation.
Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)
Employer-driven funding for training current or new employees. The employer and government share the cost. Requires an employer to apply on behalf of the worker.
Eligibility: Employers and their employees (including new hires)
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
Federal grants for registered apprentices in Red Seal trades. Note: as of March 31, 2025, the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and Apprenticeship Completion Bonus have been closed to new applications.
Eligibility: Registered apprentices in designated Red Seal trades (closed March 31, 2025)
Ontario Bridge Training Program
Helps internationally trained professionals get their credentials recognised in Ontario. Covers bridging programs at colleges and universities that connect foreign credentials to Ontario licensing requirements.
Eligibility: Internationally trained professionals seeking Ontario licensure
How training connects to permanent residence.
Completing a training program in an in-demand field can strengthen a permanent residence application in several ways.
Canadian credential
A credential from an Ontario college is a Canadian educational credential, which adds points under Express Entry's human capital factors.
Canadian work experience
Many training programs include a co-op or practicum placement. Paid work in Canada in a qualifying NOC TEER category counts toward Canadian work experience points.
PNP alignment
Training in a field on a provincial priority list can make a candidate more competitive for a Provincial Nominee Program stream, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades.
RCIP employer connection
A practicum or co-op placement in a rural community participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot can lead to a qualifying job offer from a designated employer.
Not sure if Better Jobs Ontario applies to you?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We will review your status, work history, and training goals and tell you plainly whether this program is an option.