Funding for a fresh start — and a career you actually want.
If you've been laid off, underemployed, or simply ready for a change, the Government of Ontario's Better Jobs Ontario program may help cover tuition, books, transportation, and a basic living allowance while you retrain. Anderson College can help you understand the program and prepare for your conversation with Employment Ontario.
What is Better Jobs Ontario?
Better Jobs Ontario provides eligible Ontarians with financial support for skills training so they can pursue careers in high-demand occupations. Anderson College does not decide funding — we help you understand the program and prepare for your conversation with Employment Ontario.
An Ontario government initiative
Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career) supports eligible Ontarians who want to retrain for in-demand careers.
Built for career changers
Laid-off workers, the unemployed and underemployed, gig and contract workers, youth, newcomers, and ODSP/OW recipients may all apply.
A cost-sharing grant
Funding amounts vary by individual circumstances. You may contribute toward training costs depending on need.
Decided by Employment Ontario
Eligibility, application, and approval are handled by the Ministry through Employment Ontario — not by colleges.
Costs Better Jobs Ontario may help with
For approved applicants, the program may help with the everyday costs that come with returning to school. The exact coverage and amounts are determined by the Ministry based on your individual circumstances.
- Tuition and textbooks
- Transportation costs
- Basic living allowance
- Disability-related supports
- Dependent care assistance
- Costs of living away from home
- ESL / language training
Who should explore Better Jobs Ontario?
Eligibility has expanded — if any of these describe your situation, a 10-minute conversation with an Anderson advisor can help you prepare for Employment Ontario.
How ready are you for Better Jobs Ontario?
Share your details, answer 7 quick questions, then verify to unlock a directional readiness signal and a tailored next-step plan. Takes about 2 minutes.
Before we start
The Better Jobs Ontario application process
Better Jobs Ontario requires two separate applications — one for funding, one for the college program. Anderson helps you prepare for both.
1 · Funding Application
Completed with an Employment Consultant
- 1
Attend the Employment Ontario info session
Employment Ontario requires you to attend a government information session covering the funding portion. Details are on the Better Jobs Ontario government website.
- 2
Find an Employment Consultant near you
Search “Employment Consultant agency” online — many offices use your device location to show agencies closest to you.
- 3
Speak with an Employment Consultant
Only an Employment Consultant can determine eligibility. They guide you through the funding application and program selection.
2 · College Application
Submitted directly to Anderson College
- 1
Choose a program
Your Employment Consultant will help you pick a program that matches your career goals. Most Anderson diploma and certificate programs are designed to be career-ready within Better Jobs Ontario timelines.
- 2
Research the program
An Anderson Admissions Advisor can prepare program info — length, credential, campus, placements, and outcomes — to support your conversation.
- 3
Apply to Anderson College
Submit your application for your selected program. Let us know you're seeking Better Jobs Ontario funding so we prepare the right documentation.
- 4
Submit your academic documents
Demonstrate you meet the admission requirements via Canadian transcripts, international credential evaluation (WES / ICAS), or a mature student assessment if you're 19+ without a high-school diploma.
- 5
Receive your Confirmation of Acceptance
Once accepted, Anderson prepares your Confirmation of Acceptance letter. You provide it to your Employment Consultant, who forwards it to the Ministry for the final funding decision.
Better Jobs Ontario advising services
Our Admissions Advisors welcome BJO prospects, answer your training-research questions, and guide you through the application. No obligation, no cost.
Programs and pathways
Walk through Anderson programs that align with Better Jobs Ontario timelines and high-demand occupations.
Admission requirements
Transcripts, language requirements, mature-student options — we explain what you'll need.
Application process support
Prepare the documents and the Confirmation of Acceptance letter your Employment Consultant requires.
Academic upgrading & ESL
If you need to strengthen prerequisites or language skills, we'll point you to upgrading and ESL pathways.
Foreign credential referrals
Internationally educated? We refer you to credential assessment services like WES or ICAS.
Applicant support & community resources
Career advising, community organizations, and other supports to help you succeed during training.
140+ years of career-focused training in Ontario.
Founded in 1885, Anderson College has spent more than 140 years preparing Ontarians for in-demand careers. With 25+ career programs across 10 Ontario campuses plus Online learning, our Admissions Advisors can help you find a fit — and walk you through the conversations worth having with Employment Ontario.
Answers, plain and simple
An Employment Consultant at Employment Ontario, on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Anderson College does not determine eligibility.
No. Funding decisions are made by the Government of Ontario through Employment Ontario. We help you understand the process and prepare for your conversation.
It's a cost-sharing grant. Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to contribute toward training costs.
Two — one funding application with Employment Ontario, and one program application directly with Anderson College.
You can still attend Anderson. Our advisors can walk you through other funding routes including OSAP, payment plans, scholarships, and employer sponsorships.
Yes, newcomers are an explicit audience for the expanded Better Jobs Ontario program. An Employment Consultant will confirm your eligibility.
Yes. We handle your information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy laws and only use it to follow up about programs and funding pathways.
Timelines vary. After Anderson issues your Confirmation of Acceptance and your Employment Consultant forwards it to the Ministry, please allow time for the funding review.
Speak with an Anderson Admissions Advisor
Start your application below. We'll walk you through programs, funding routes, and the conversations worth having with Employment Ontario — and book a free 30-minute call with an advisor within 1 business day or earlier.
- Free 30-minute call — no pressure, no commitment
- Verified by SMS so we know it's really you
- Pick a time on the spot, see your advisor's name
- Confidential — handled per Canadian privacy law