Please note:
If you are a domestic Conestoga student, you must first book an appointment with a Career Services Advisor to access career services through the Community Career Centre.
If you are an international Conestoga student or a graduate on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), career services are not available through the Community Career Centre. Instead, visit Career Services in the Student Success Portal or email talenthub@conestogac.on.ca for support.
Are you unemployed or underemployed?
Better Jobs Ontario is a program funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) that helps laid off, unemployed and underemployed individuals retrain in an in-demand field.
You can apply for up to $28,000 in funding for:
- tuition
- books
- other instructional costs, including student fees, supplies and electronic devices
- transportation
- basic living allowance (up to $500 per week)
Additional funding may be available for:
- childcare
- disability-related supports
- living away from home
- Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) and/or language training
This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario and through the Canada-Ontario Job Fund Agreement.
Which programs qualify?
Better Jobs Ontario aims to help you rejoin the workforce quickly by focusing on training programs, including micro-credentials, that take 52 weeks or less to complete, offered by a recognized Ontario college or private postsecondary school.
If you wish to pursue training longer than one year, you can apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for a mix of grants and loans to help you pay for your postsecondary education.
Even if you don't meet the admission requirements or need academic upgrading, you may still be eligible. If you're not sure if you or a program qualifies, speak with our Career Centre to review your eligibility.
Explore Conestoga programs that you may qualify for.
How to apply
To determine your eligibility for Better Jobs Ontario funding, you must be assessed for both eligibility and suitability with an Employment Ontario Employment Services (EOES) provider near you. Our Community Career Centre coaches can:
- Assess your needs and eligibility
- Explore career and training options
- Guide you through the application process and funding requirement
- Help you complete all necessary documents for submission to MLITSD
Contact us early to review your eligibility. Most participants need to start the process at least 8 weeks before the program start date to meet application requirements and deadlines.
If you are you looking for college program and admission information, email our Student Recruitment Advisors.
Contact information
For more information, contact the Community Career Centre:
- by email: waterloocareercentre@conestogac.on.ca
- by phone: 519-885-0300, ext. 5226
