Unemployed in Ontario? A program could help pay for training toward a new career

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published September 19, 2026

Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب

If you are unemployed in Ontario and considering a career change, Better Jobs Ontario could help cover the cost of retraining. Eligible applicants can receive up to $28,000 for programs lasting one year or less, or up to $35,000 for programs lasting more than one year and up to two years, with applicants choosing careers with stronger employment prospects through 2027 receiving an advantage in the assessment process.

The program is designed to help unemployed people gain new skills and return to the workforce. Funding can cover tuition, books, supplies and transportation, as well as a basic living allowance of up to $500 per week. Additional assistance may be available for child care, disability-related supports and other eligible needs.

Ontario now uses its 2025–2027 career outlooks when assessing Better Jobs Ontario applications. Applicants choosing training that leads to an occupation rated “good” or “very good” at the provincial level automatically receive the highest score for active job search, duration of unemployment and work history, strengthening their position in the program's assessment.

Applicants pursuing careers with moderate, limited or undetermined prospects can still qualify, but they must show evidence that jobs are available in that occupation, such as current job postings or confirmation from an employer.

Among occupations with stronger outlooks, medical administrative assistants are rated “very good” across Ontario for 2025–2027, while early childhood educators and assistants and nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates carry favourable outlooks. In the Toronto region, the latter group is rated "very good."

Ontario also identifies careers such as automotive service technicians, underground mine service workers, manufacturing technologists and heavy equipment operators as examples of in-demand occupations that Better Jobs Ontario can help unemployed workers train for.

People who have been laid off and remain unemployed may qualify, as can some laid-off workers holding temporary jobs to cover expenses. Individuals who have not been laid off may also qualify if they have been unemployed for at least 12 weeks and are part of a low-income household.

Funding is not automatic, even when the chosen occupation has strong employment prospects. Applications are assessed individually, and the amount of assistance depends on financial need, eligible training expenses and available funding.

Applicants begin by meeting with an Employment Ontario service provider, which assesses their employment needs and helps determine whether retraining is appropriate before assisting with a Better Jobs Ontario application.