Better Jobs Ontario
Better Jobs ON
Better Jobs Ontario helps unemployed people gain skills for in-demand jobs through training and financial support. It can cover tuition, books, transportation, and sometimes living costs while you train, helping you move into a new career after a layoff or long-term unemployment.
Useful Tips for Applying
Research local in-demand jobs before choosing training, since you must show good employment prospects. Do not enrol or pay for training before ministry approval. If you have a disability, ask about additional supports and accommodations available through the program.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if you are an Ontario resident, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, are unemployed (laid off, or unemployed long-term from a low-income household), and can show there is demand for the skills you want to train for. You generally cannot have completed government-funded training in the last 24 months or be enrolled elsewhere.
Required Documents
Proof of Ontario residency, Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, proof of layoff or long-term unemployment and low income, and evidence of local demand for the skills training you are requesting.
How to Apply
Apply through an Employment Ontario service provider in your area. You must be approved by the ministry before starting any training, or the training will not be funded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is starting training before being approved, which makes you ineligible. Another is not demonstrating that there is local demand for the skills you want to train for. People also miss that recent government-funded training in the last 24 months can disqualify you.
Preparing an application?
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
