Micro-Credentials and Retraining Grants in Ontario: What the Second Career Program Covers

If you need new skills to get back into work, Ontario’s micro-credentials and retraining grants can help cover the cost. The province’s main option is the Second Career Program, now delivered as Better Jobs Ontario, which funds short-term training, including micro-credentials, for in‑demand jobs. The program supports training up to two years. It can cover tens of thousands of dollars in eligible costs.

How Micro-Credentials Fit Into Ontario’s Second Career (Better Jobs Ontario) Program

Better Jobs Ontario is a provincial retraining program designed to help unemployed or underemployed people move into in-demand roles faster. Micro-credentials are now an eligible training option, as long as they meet program rules and lead to realistic job outcomes.

What the program funds

Better Jobs Ontario can cover a wide range of training-related costs, including:

Micro-credential programs and other short-term training that takes 52 weeks or less
Longer programs that take more than one year, up to two years
Tuition and mandatory fees
Books, equipment, and instructional supplies
Transportation and basic living expenses, in some cases
Additional supports if you have a disability or other barriers to training

Funding limits depend on program length:

Up to $28,000 for training programs one year or less
Up to $35,000 for programs longer than one year, up to two years

What counts as an eligible micro-credential?

To qualify under Better Jobs Ontario, a micro-credential must:

Be offered by an eligible public or private training provider
Lead to skills for an in-demand occupation in Ontario
Be part of a clear employment plan, not general interest learning
Be completed within the program’s approved duration

Examples include targeted certificates in IT support, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, advanced manufacturing, or skilled trades theory components. Approval is not automatic. Each program is assessed based on job demand and your individual situation.

Who Can Apply and How the Process Works

Eligibility is based on your need for retraining and your connection to the labour market. You may qualify if you:

Are unemployed or working in an unstable job
Need training to transition into a new occupation
Are legally entitled to work in Canada
Are accepted into an approved training or micro-credential program

You can still apply if you receive certain forms of income assistance, including Employment Insurance in some cases.

Applications are not submitted online on your own. You must work with an Employment Ontario service provider, who reviews your situation and submits the application with you.

The process for accessing micro-credential funding through Second Career is structured and advisor-led:

Meet with an Employment Ontario provider
They assess your employment history, job prospects, and training needs.
Choose an eligible training program
This can include a micro-credential, as long as it leads to an in-demand job.
Develop a return-to-work plan
You must show how the training improves your chances of employment.
Submit the application for approval
Funding is not guaranteed. Decisions are based on labour market demand and individual need.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter training-related funding programs by province and situation before you speak to a service provider. GrantHub also offers updates on new micro-credential funding opportunities, helping you stay informed about changing program rules.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming all micro-credentials qualify
Hobby or general-interest programs are rarely approved. The training must connect to real job demand.
Applying after starting your program
Training usually must be approved before it begins.
Choosing a program without labour market evidence
If there are limited job openings in your target field, funding may be denied.
Skipping the Employment Ontario step
You cannot apply directly. An approved service provider must submit your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Second Career Program the same as Better Jobs Ontario?
Yes. Second Career has been rebranded as Better Jobs Ontario, but the core purpose and funding structure remain the same.

Q: Can micro-credentials really be funded under Better Jobs Ontario?
Yes. Short-term training, including micro-credentials completed in 52 weeks or less, is eligible if it leads to an in-demand job.

Q: How much funding can I receive?
You may receive up to $28,000 for programs one year or less, or up to $35,000 for longer programs up to two years, depending on your situation.

Q: Do I have to be on Employment Insurance to qualify?
No. Eligibility is based on your employment situation and need for retraining, not just EI status.

Q: Is Better Jobs Ontario funding taxable?
Some portions of the funding may be taxable. It’s best to confirm with your service provider or a tax professional.

How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Ontario Scale-Up Programs: Support Options for Growing Tech Companies

Next Steps

Micro-credentials can be a practical way to retrain quickly, but approval depends on job demand and your individual case. Before committing to a program, confirm eligibility and funding rules early. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and training funding programs across Canada — check which ones match your profile and career goals.

Micro-Credentials and Retraining Grants in Ontario: What the Second Career Program Covers