The Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) funding program supports unemployed individuals in getting skills training to find new employment in in-demand occupations with demonstrated labour market prospects in the province.
Eligibility varies per person and can be explored with an Integrated Employment Service (IES) provider, like Employment Solutions.
Eligibility
You may qualify for Better Jobs Ontario if you have either:
- been laid off and have not been working
- been laid off and are working a temporary job just to cover costs
- not been laid-off, but have been unemployed for 12 weeks or longer and are part of a low-income household
You are eligible to apply if you receive any of the following forms of income assistance:
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Better Jobs Ontario aims to help you rejoin the workforce quickly. BJO 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
You can apply for up to:
- $28,000 for programs that are 1 year or less in duration
- $35,000 for programs that are more than 1 year, but less than 2 years in duration
IS THERE ANY CRITERIA RELATING TO CANADIAN RESIDENT, ETC? that we should include here?
What Funding Covers
Better Jobs Ontario funding can cover costs for:
- tuition
- books
- other instructional costs, including student fees, supplies and electronic devices
- transportation
- basic living allowance (up to $500 per week)
Additional funding may be available for:
- childcare
- disability-related supports
- living away from home
- literacy and essential skills training via the Get Set (Skills, Education and Training) program
- language training