Second Career Strategy is an Ontario Government program that helps you train for a new job.  The program provides financial support to help laid off employees participate in training for a new career.

Career Planning Service, is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to help unemployed individuals.  Assistance includes guidance and direction in applying to Second Career Strategy.

Eligibility
-laid off after January 1, 2005
-unemployed
-has taken one or more interim jobs to make ends meet.

How much financial support is available?
-the program provides up to a maximum of $28,000 to help pay for tuition, books and other training-related costs.
-additional funds may be available for people with disabilities, and for those who need help to pay for academic upgrading, the costs of living away from home, or child care.

What type of training will be considered?
-training plan must be 6 months to 2 years in length.
-occupational goal must be specific and require a high skill level in a demand occupation within the province of Ontario.
-training plan can include an additional year of academic upgrading, but must be a requirement for entrance into a skills based program.

Which training institutions can I look at?

-training can be accessed at either a Community College or Private Career College or local School Boards of Education.
-must be full time training.  

How do I get started?
-contact Career Planning Service to attend an Information Session.
-If after attending the information session, you wish to discuss your options further, you must make an appointment with an employment counsellor at Career Planning Service.
-an employment counsellor will provide you with guidance and assist you in the process of submitting an application.

***You must receive approval prior to starting or attending your training course.  
***The process of applying must begin well in advance of a possible start date.

To setup an appointment to speak with a Career Planning Service counselor regarding Second Career Strategy, please fill out the Second Career Strategy information form .