Better Jobs Ontario

What funding support is available for training in high‑demand careers? 

Better Jobs Ontario is an Ontario government-funded program that helps eligible individuals pay for career training in in-demand occupations.

The program may support the cost of:

  • Tuition
  • Books and supplies
  • Basic living expenses while retraining

Additional funding may be available for:

  • Childcare
  • Disability-related support
  • Living away from home
  • Language, literacy, and essential skills training

Better Jobs Ontario at Conestoga

Are you eligible for Better Jobs Ontario?

Better Jobs Ontario is designed for individuals who have been laid off or who are underemployed and are part of a low-income household.

Eligibility and suitability are assessed by Employment Ontario service providers, who consider factors such as:

  • Current employment status
  • Work history
  • Career goals
  • Whether the proposed training aligns with local labour market demand

Your next steps

Connect with an Employment Ontario service provider to begin your eligibility assessment. Service providers may have wait times; contacting them early is recommended.  

What Conestoga programs are eligible for Better Jobs Ontario?

Better Jobs Ontario supports training in programs that take up to two years to complete and lead to in-demand occupations.

Many full-time Conestoga programs may be eligible, depending on:

  • Labour market alignment
  • Program length and delivery format
  • Individual eligibility circumstances

All Better Jobs Ontario applications are submitted through Employment Ontario service providers and are approved by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Interest in a program does not guarantee funding approval.

Your next steps

Not sure which program to choose?

Career research and labour market guidance are essential parts of the Better Jobs Ontario process.

Your Employment Ontario service provider is your primary support for:

  • Career exploration
  • Understanding labour market trends
  • Determining whether a training program supports your employment goals

Getting program information from Conestoga

If you are exploring options and have questions about Conestoga programs, email our Student Recruitment Advisors at sra@conestogac.on.ca.

You can find the following information on all full-time program pages:

  • Program length and delivery details
  • Start dates
  • General program information
  • Admission requirements
Need a letter of acceptance or tuition fee deferral for Better Jobs Ontario?

If you are already working with an Employment Ontario service provider and have:

  • Applied to Conestoga College, and
  • Accepted your offer of admission

You may request documentation required for your Better Jobs Ontario application, including: 

  • Letter of acceptance
  • Tuition fee deferral information (where applicable)

Email BetterJobsOntario@conestogac.on.ca. Requests can only be supported after your offer of admission has been accepted. 

Looking for other helpful resources?

Academic Upgrading

Once you’ve selected a program with your Employment Ontario service provider, Academic Upgrading may help if you need to complete course upgrades before admission.

Student Financial Services

If you do not qualify for Better Jobs Ontario, financial aid may offer alternative funding options to support your studies. 

Government of Canada, Employment Ontario and Government of Ontario logos

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.