Better Jobs Ontario to Help Workers Receive Training

Better Jobs Ontario will pay up to $28,000 in tuition and other costs for short-duration training programs that allow job seekers to match their skills with the needs of hiring employers in the community. Expanding on the current Second Career program, more applicants will now be eligible for up to $500 per week in financial support for basic living expenses.

“To build a stronger Ontario, we need all hands on deck. Our government is on a mission to help everyday people earn bigger paycheques and we’re leaving nobody behind,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “Whether you are a young person struggling to break into the job market, a gig worker hustling to make ends meet, or unemployed and on social assistance, our government is here to give you a hand up to building a better life and stronger province for us all.”

The program is open to those on social assistance, who are self-employed, gig workers, youth, and newcomers to the province.

“Upgrading skills and experience is a great way to secure that dream job,” says Martha Woods, Executive Director with the Eastern Ontario Training Board. “Better Jobs Ontario will make training more accessible by helping to offset the costs of tuition.”

There are over 500 available jobs in the Cornwall region in a variety of sectors that include logistics, health care, food processing, manufacturing and transportation. There are a number of opportunities for people to upgrade their skills to meet the requirements for those jobs. Training opportunities include short-term courses specific to a sector and/or employer, micro-credentials and community college diploma programs.

“We’re thrilled to see this new funding by the Ontario government which will allow more people to obtain the skills needed for employment,” said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO of St. Lawrence College. “St. Lawrence College developed 600 micro-credentials this year, which will continue to meet the needs of industry, our communities, workers who want to upskill, and life-long learners. The new offerings reflect the College’s commitment to offering relevant, accessible skills training and educational opportunities that align with the needs of learners, employers, and industry.”

Local Access

In Cornwall, Job Zone d’emploi is responsible for delivering the Better Jobs Ontario program.

“People interested in learning how Better Jobs Ontario can help them improve their skills should give us a call,” says Kimberly Arbic, Director of Community Relations with Job Zone. “Our staff will be more than happy to provide information on this and other employment support programs and services.”

Job Zone d’emploi is located at 144 Pitt Street in Downtown Cornwall and can be reached at 613-933-9675. Information can be found on their website at:

• www.jobzonedemploi.ca

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