Ontario has expanded access to Second Career to help more laid-off workers get skills training for high-demand jobs in their communities.

The recently announced changes to Second Career were highlighted today at an open house at Seneca College. These changes will mean more laid-off workers can take advantage of the training opportunities available and build new skills for the careers of the future.

Second Career provides opportunities for:

1. Workers laid off as far back as January 1, 2005
2. Laid-off workers who have taken an interim job to make ends meet
3. Short-term training options (less than six months) for laid-off workers who are not eligible for Employment Insurance
4. Additional financial assistance in some instances to cover expenses for the cost of academic upgrading, living away from home while participating in training, and dependent care.

Investing in skills training is a key part of the government’s five-point economic plan - an economic stimulus that is helping families and businesses deal with the challenges of today’s economy.

QUOTES

“We’ve expanded access to Second Career so that more Ontarians have the opportunities and skills for success, and are working in well-paying jobs in a period of economic uncertainty,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

"These expansions to Second Career will give options to workers whose jobs have been affected by the current economic situation. In partnership with great institutions like Seneca, this program means better opportunities for our community, and reflects the commitment of the McGuinty government to help Ontarians train for the jobs of the future," said David Zimmer, MPP for Willowdale.

“As a community leader, Seneca has the opportunity to connect people with the supports and services necessary to get them back on the path to success,” said Seneca College President Dr. Rick Miner. “This Second Career Information Fair will provide valuable guidance to individuals who are in need of a positive change in their lives.”

QUICK FACTS

1. Through Second Career, announced in the 2008 Budget, Ontario is investing $355 million to help 20,000 laid-off workers make the transition to well-paying jobs.
2. Second Career is a key part of the $2 billion-Skills to Jobs Action plan that includes a number of employment assistance programs offered through Employment Ontario.
3. Since 2003, the Ontario economy has created more than half a million net new jobs.

Employment Ontario provides training and employment services to more than 900,000 people annually.

LEARN MORE

Learn about Second Career.
Learn about Employment Ontario.
Read the fall Economic Statement.