About Second Career Program

For many people, especially those who have taken a long sabbatical from work, deciding on a second job may be stressful and challenging. The Ontario Provincial Government in Canada offers a unique programme that assists jobless persons in regaining employment. This programme, aptly titled Second Career, is a fantastic initiative to encourage jobless people education so that they can return to work.

You can give your career new wings with Ontario’s Second Career Program. With Second Career Program initiative offered by Government of Ontario, you can qualify for up to $28,000 funding.
Second Career program helps laid off workers get back to work in high demand jobs and occupations, by providing them with:
•    Skills training for in-demand jobs and
•    Financial support

What types of programs you can pursue under this initiative?

This programme allows you to apply for all of the high-demand professional courses that helps you build relevant skills, and increase your job chances in your chosen field. 

You must enrol in a vocational training programme that leads to a certificate or diploma. The training programme must be for a job with high career prospects in Ontario and must last no more than 52 weeks.

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Check your Eligibility

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in the province of Ontario and are jobless or laid off, you may be able to apply for Second Career. People who work temporary jobs to make ends meet after being laid off may also be eligible for the Second Career Program. They must, however, ensure that their work hours do not exceed 19 hours per week. 

You can qualify for Second Career Program if you either:
•    have been laid-off and have not been working or are working a temporary job just to cover costs
•    have not been laid-off but have been unemployed for six months or longer and are part of a low-income household
You can still apply if you receive either:
•    Employment Insurance (EI)
•    Ontario Works (OW)
•    Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Laid off due to Covid-19

 The Second Career program also provides a fast-track stream, if you were laid-off because of COVID-19 and want to retrain for jobs in sectors that have potential for future employment.
 

Benefits of Second Career Program

Second Career provides eligible applicants with:
•    Skills training for in-demand jobs
•    Financial support
You can apply for up to $28,000 for costs, including:
•    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 Basic Skills (LBS) and/or language training
 

What is not covered by the Second Career Program?

The following expenses are not covered by Second Career Program

1. Extension of funding beyond the academic year
2. Funding in excess of the CAD 28,000 maximum limit
3. Additional funding for academic upgrading beyond one year
4. Funding for more than 52 weeks of formal education or training
5. Students must pay an extra cost from their own resources to fund missed or failed classes or semesters.