Second Career is an Ontario government program that enables laid-off Ontarians to train for a new job in high-demand careers.

Second Career can help you get the training or education you need to get a good job. It is a cost-sharing grant, provided on the basis of need, so you may be asked to contribute what you can to your training or education. 

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Have been laid-off on or after January 1, 2005
• Be unemployed
• Demonstrate occupational demand for the training request with evidence of good employment prospects locally or within Ontario

Possible Skills Training

Skills training for up to two years in duration will be considered. If academic upgrading or English as a Second Language training is required as a prerequisite to skills training, the total training period can be up to three years.

Financial Support

Providing financial support up to $28,000 based on the following costs:

• Tuition
• Books
• Living expenses
• Help caring for dependents
• Travel
• Transportation
• Disability supports
• Basic living allowance (during skill training)

Additional costs may be considered for disability accommodation, dependent care, living away from home and academic upgrading.