Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career Program) at George Brown Polytechnic

Are you underemployed or unemployed?

Ontario's new Better Jobs Ontario program may help you retrain for a new in-demand career. Accepted students can access up to $28,000 for training that is 1 year or less or $35,000 for programs that are up to 2 years in duration for tuition, living expenses, and more.

Better Jobs Ontario has replaced Ontario's Second Career program. People who may benefit from Better Jobs Ontario include Ontario residents who have been unemployed for six months or more, laid-off workers and gig workers. Check out our programs that may qualify and the eligibility criteria below.

Better Jobs Ontario Prospective Students

Better Jobs Ontario Current Students

Building renovation student on a building site

How does it work?

Better Jobs Ontario provides eligible applicants with both skills training for in-demand jobs and financial support. You can apply for up to $35,000 for costs including:

  • tuition
  • books
  • institutional costs
  • transportation
  • basic living allowance

The amount of support you receive is based on individual needs and available funding.

Better Jobs Ontario aims to help you rejoin the workforce quickly. The program offers funding for both:

  • short-term training programs that take 52 weeks or less to complete, including micro-credential programs
  • longer duration programs that take 2 years or less to complete

How to apply?

You'll work with an Employment Ontario agency that will help determine if this is the right program for you.

Employment Ontario staff can also help you with the following:

  • Answer any questions you may have about Better Jobs Ontario
  • Help you complete your funding application
Find an Employment Ontario Agency

How can George Brown help?

At George Brown, we offer many programs that may meet the eligibility criteria for Better Jobs Ontario.

Click through the tabs below to see which of our programs may be suitable for Better Jobs Ontario (subject to ministry approval).

Eligible Programs (Subject to Ministry Approval)

Below is a list of programs that meet Better Jobs Ontario's minimum eligibility requirements (programs that are no more than 52 weeks in length or 2 years in length). Please note that the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development does not pre-approve or designate college programs as “Better Jobs Ontario eligible”, they review each application on an individual basis. 

For more information on program eligibility please talk with your Employment Ontario case representative.

Arts, Design & Information Technology

Business

Community Services & Early Childhood

Construction & Engineering Technologies

Health Sciences

The Chef School

Arts, Design & Information Technology

Business

Community Services & Early Childhood

Construction & Engineering Technologies

Health Sciences

Continuing Education certificates are course-based programs that are generally available as evening, weekend, or as self-directed studies and may be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario Funding. As part-time studies, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development typically covers tuition and book/materials costs, and not living expenses. To be eligible for funding consideration, certificate programs must be completable in less than 1-year (52-weeks). 

For a full list of Continuing Education certificates please visit the ConEd website.

Have Questions?

Meet with one of our entry advisors to understand your program options and the application process for Better Jobs Ontario.

Meet with Advising

Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.

Learn more