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

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 in paid support 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 $28,000 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.

Since we want to help you return to the workforce quickly, this program focuses on training programs that take 52 weeks or less to complete, including micro-credentials.

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)

Arts, Design & Information Technology

Business

Community Services & Early Childhood

Construction & Engineering Technologies

Health Sciences

Hospitality & Tourism Management

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 college entry advisors to understand your program options and the application process for Better Jobs Ontario.

Meet with Advising

Land acknowledgement

George Brown College 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 about our land acknowledgment