Future Students

Better Jobs Ontario

What You Need to Know Before Applying

Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career) is a provincial government program that provides financial support to help qualified, laid off workers train for careers that are in demand. You may have to pay for part of your studies depending on your financial situation.

There are two parts to Better Jobs Ontario: the Funding Application and the College Program Application. It can take months to complete so we recommend you research and plan ahead.

An Employment Ontario counsellor can help you decide if this is a good program for you and assist you with your application. For more information, visit the Better Jobs Ontario website and find an Employment Ontario Service Provider in your area. You can also book an appointment online.

Seneca recruitment officers can answer your questions about the College Program Application and provide program research documents for your application. Skills training is allowed for National Occupation Classification (NOC). You can take a program up to 52 weeks long under Better Jobs Ontario. Please note that your employment counsellor will work with you to research occupations in NOC B or C categories.

For your convenience, you can download the Better Jobs Ontario cost breakdown estimate and sessional dates from our site. If you are considering a program which is not listed, please check with your employment counsellor to make sure it is eligible. If so, please get their approval in writing and contact Seneca Admissions to let them know.

Research Package Information
How to Apply

For cost break-downs, tuition fees, books and supply costs, start and end dates and refund policies, please visit the Better Jobs Ontario: Cost Breakdown Estimate & Sessional Dates page.

For information on options to help fund your education, please see our Financial Supports & Helpful Resources page.

This process can take several months to complete and our programs can fill up quickly, so remember to start early.

Step 1: meet with an employment counsellor

Make an appointment with an employment counsellor at your local Employment Ontario Services Provider to understand the Better Jobs Ontario program and find out if you are eligible.

Step 2: get familiar with the College Program Application process

Contact our Student Recruitment team to connect with one of our recruitment officers. They can provide you with general Better Jobs Ontario information and walk you through the process to apply to a program at Seneca. They can also tell you about financial aid, such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), government grants, scholarships and bursaries.

Step 3: prepare your school research document

Submit a research package to apply for Better Jobs Ontario. For your convenience, we have posted a cost breakdown estimate and sessional dates so you can access details by program to answer the training research questions in your application to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). If you are interested in something that’s not listed, you’ll need to consult your employment counsellor to make sure it is eligible for Better Jobs Ontario. If it is, please get their approval in writing and contact Seneca Admissions to let the know.

Step 4: apply through Ontario College Application Service (OCAS)

Select your desired Seneca program(s) and apply online at OCAS. Make sure to select the box that indicates you’re applying as an “Agency-sponsored Better Jobs Ontario Applicant” in the Financial Assistance section of your application profile. There is a non-refundable application fee. If you have any questions, contact OCAS on 1.888.892.2228.

Step 5: receive your application

Please allow processing time, which may vary depending on different factors, and contact Seneca Admissions if you have any questions.

Step 6: complete pre-admission testing

If required, you’ll receive a letter that explains how to complete pre-admission testing for English and/or math through Seneca Admissions.

Step 7: secure your offer

Once you have been admitted to your program, an Offer of Admission will be issued by the Seneca Admissions Office. You are expected to make a $200 non-refundable deposit towards your tuition by the due date, which will appear on your tuition and fees notice. The remainder of your tuition fees are due in full by the first day of classes, or a $150 penalty will be applied to your account.

You must make the $200 deposit payment to secure your place. Please talk to your employment counsellor should you have any questions or concerns.

For your reference, there are some “Important Academic Dates” at Seneca.

Step 8: submitting Offer of Admission

If you have received a Seneca Offer of Admission, please attach it to your Better Jobs Ontario application package and submit it to your employment counsellor. This will then be sent by your employment counsellor to the MCU for funding review.

Processing times may vary. Remember to apply early.

Step 9: waiting for funding approval

MCU will contact you regarding the approval of your Better Jobs Ontario funding. Once you sign and receive a copy of your approved MCU Better Jobs Ontario contract, please bring it to the Seneca Admissions office.

If your contract is not approved by the MCU, but you have received a Seneca Offer of Admission, there are other options for financial assistance, including: