Funding Coverage
Approved funding may help cover:
- Tuition fees
- Books and learning materials
- Student fees
- Required supplies
- Electronic learning devices
- Transportation expenses
- Basic living allowance (where applicable)
Better Jobs Ontario
Skills Training & Financial Support for Eligible Ontarians
Better Jobs Ontario is a Government of Ontario program that helps eligible individuals gain new skills for occupations that are in demand. Through approved training programs and financial assistance, the program is designed to support people who are preparing for a new career or returning to the workforce.
If you are exploring career-focused education, Akshar Academy can provide information about eligible training programs and assist you with the admissions process after your Better Jobs Ontario application has been approved.
Overview
Better Jobs Ontario supports eligible applicants by providing:
Career-focused skills training
Financial assistance for approved education and training
The program is especially designed to support laid-off workers and other eligible individuals who need to gain new skills for a new career or a career transition into an in-demand occupation.
The objective of the program is to help eligible individuals prepare for sustainable employment in occupations with strong labour market demand throughout Ontario. Training may include both shorter certificate programs and longer diploma programs, depending on the applicant's approved training plan.
Depending on the approved application, funding may be available for:
Programs lasting 52 weeks or less, including eligible micro-credential programs
Programs lasting up to two years
Applicants may receive financial support of:
Up to $28,000 for approved training lasting one year or less
Up to $35,000 for approved programs exceeding one year and up to two years
Funding
What Can the Funding Cover?
Funding is based on individual eligibility, financial assessment, and program approval.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by Employment Ontario.
You may qualify if you:
- Have been laid off and are currently unemployed.
- Have been laid off and are working only temporary employment while looking for permanent work.
- Have been unemployed for 12 weeks or longer and are part of a low-income household.
You may also qualify if you are:
- Currently receiving, or have previously received, Employment Insurance (EI)
- Receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- On EI and working an interim or part-time job (less than 20 hours per week)
- Seeking training for a change in career or field of study
- Previously received EI, but your benefits have since expired
- Returning from maternity leave and unable to return to your previous job
Meeting these conditions does not automatically guarantee approval. Every application is assessed individually.
You will not be eligible for funding if your employer indicates "dismissal" as the reason for termination.
Applying
Applying for Better Jobs Ontario
Applications are submitted through an Employment Ontario service provider.
Employment counsellors can help you:
- Determine whether the program is appropriate for your situation
- Understand eligibility requirements
- Complete your application
- Prepare the required supporting documentation
The process typically begins by booking an appointment with a career counsellor to discuss your employment situation and career goals and receive guidance on the application process. Depending on your situation, you may also be encouraged to attend an information session or complete a career assessment.
Applicants are encouraged to contact an Employment Ontario office in their community to begin the application process.
Application Process
Application Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Speak With an Employment Ontario Career Counsellor
Book an appointment with a career counsellor at your local Employment Ontario Assessment Centre to discuss your employment situation and career goals and receive guidance on the application process.
Step 2: Attend an Information Session or Assessment
Depending on your situation, you may be asked or encouraged to attend an information session or complete a career assessment as part of the review process.
Step 3: Gather and Document Your Information
Collect your personal information, financial information, and employment information, along with any other supporting documentation required for your application.
Step 4: Research Your Career Field
Identify the career or field you want to enter, research labour market demand and employment opportunities, and understand the skills and qualifications required.
Step 5: Research Available Training Programs
Find out where your selected training is offered, including publicly funded colleges and registered career colleges, and compare the training providers and programs available.
Step 6: Check Admission Prerequisites
Confirm that you can meet the admission requirements of the training program or institution you wish to apply to before selecting your program.
Step 7: Prepare and Submit Your Application
Bring together your research results, supporting documentation, financial information, and training and career research, and submit your application through your counsellor or Employment Ontario service provider.
Step 8: Wait for the Funding Decision
Your application will be reviewed by Employment Ontario. Eligibility and funding decisions are made by Employment Ontario and the Government of Ontario, and approval is not guaranteed.
Preparing to Apply
Preparing Your Application
During the application process, you may be asked to provide information about:
- Your employment history
- Length of unemployment or temporary employment
- Previous education
- Work experience and transferable skills
- Your career objective
- The training program you wish to pursue
You will also complete a financial needs assessment, which may include information about:
- Tuition and education-related costs
- Household income before taxes
- Other financial circumstances relevant to your application
Overall, applicants should be prepared to gather and organize their personal information, employment information, financial information, and any supporting documents, along with information related to their selected career and training program.
Training Institution
Choosing a Training Institution
As part of the application process, applicants generally research multiple training providers to compare available programs.
This research typically includes:
- At least one publicly funded College of Applied Arts and Technology
- At least one registered Career College
- Additional institutions offering the required training
This includes researching where the selected training is available, comparing institutions and programs, and confirming that admission prerequisites can be met before a program is chosen.
Employment Ontario reviews the proposed training plan and generally supports the most cost-effective option that aligns with the applicant's career goals.
Akshar Academy
Training at Akshar Academy
Akshar Academy is a registered career college in Ontario offering career-focused education designed to help students develop practical knowledge and workplace skills.
If you are considering Better Jobs Ontario funding and one of our programs aligns with your approved career plan, our admissions team can:
Please note that Akshar Academy does not determine eligibility or approve Better Jobs Ontario funding. Funding decisions are made solely by Employment Ontario.
Provide detailed program information
Explain admission requirements
Supply documentation required for your application
Guide you through the enrolment process after funding approval
Provide tuition information
Share program schedules and intake dates
Application Support Partners
These organizations provide guidance and support to eligible applicants throughout the Better Jobs Ontario application process.
Important Information
- Better Jobs Ontario is administered by Employment Ontario.
- Eligibility and funding decisions are made by the Government of Ontario.
- Every application is reviewed before a funding decision is made.
- Funding is based on individual circumstances and available program funding.
- Approval is not guaranteed.
- Applicants should consult an Employment Ontario service provider before making education decisions.
Need More Information?
If you would like to learn more about Akshar Academy programs that may align with your career goals, our admissions team is available to answer your questions and provide program information to support your Better Jobs Ontario application.