Second Career
What is SECOND CAREER?
The Ontario Government, through Employment Ontario, has made a multi year commitment to increase the skills capacity of Ontario workers.
SECOND CAREER is a new and innovative tool that will help upgrade the skills of thousands of unemployed workers in Ontario.
SECOND CAREER helps laid-off workers get the skills training they need for high-demand jobs in their communities. The program helps laid–off Ontarians identify and train for new careers in growing and emerging sectors.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Eligible participants are those who have been laid-off on or after January 2, 2005 and includes workers who have taken interim jobs to make ends meet and who require skills training for employment in demand occupations in Ontario.
Employment Insurance ( EI ) eligibility is not a requirement of this program.
It is best to see an Employment Counsellor to sort out all of the exact details and to develop the Return To Work Action Plan information that is required for a successful application.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
SECOND CAREER can provide tuition support, travel, books and other training-related costs. Additional funds may support people with disabilities, people who need help for academic upgrading, the costs of living away from home or for child care.
These are negotiated items and are supported by the completion of your Return To Work Acton Plan.
Eligibility requirements & program guidelines do change, so always see a counsellor for the most current information.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
All applicants must develop a Return to Work Action Plan, working with their Employment Counsellor.
In the case of the Canadian Career Academy, this is done through our Carleton Place Employment Resource Centre Office, 92 Bridge St., Carleton Place, ON -
613-257-3237.
This is a straight forward process but does involve some time and input by the applicant. The Counsellor will need to know your background and how the training choice makes sense to your longer term goals and objectives. Once the required materials are completed, the application is forwarded to Employment Ontario staff for review and contracting.
Our Employment Counsellors will be pleased to answer any questions you may have and to work with you through the application process.
Every community in Ontario is served by an Employment Assistance Office working with Employment Ontario.
WHAT TRAINING COURSE OPTIONS DO I HAVE?
As part of the process, you will be asked to research 2 training institutions for information on the course that suits your needs. All Ontario Community Colleges offer a variety of approved courses, as well as many of the Private Vocational Schools.
SECOND CAREER training courses are linked to Section B of the NOC CODE
(National Occupation Code). This is a diverse list and it is unlikely that any one school in Ontario offers all courses. Research will show you which schools offer the course relevant to you and from this list you can make your preferred choice.
See your employment counsellor for personal direction.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE TRAINING?
Up to 2 years in duration may be considered. In cases where academic or preparatory upgrading may be required as a prerequisite for participation in skills training, the total training period can be extended to a maximum of 3 years.
Program revisions and refinements are ongoing. Information is best sought from your employment counsellor.
RESEARCHING YOUR SCHOOL
When purchasing any training program, the customer needs to be satisfied that the product will meet their needs. This is relevant advice for anyone who is considering an application supported by Employment Ontario or being paid for by student loans or family resources.
If the product promised is not delivered, or if the research has resulted in an improper course selection, valuable time and money are wasted.
ASK QUESTIONS, HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS;
- Understand the course curriculum. Is it current and relevant to the trade or field of study that you have chosen?
- Ask for student referrals so that you can get a direct verification on the merits of the course and the school
- Can you make the commitment of time to complete the training course?
- Speak to employers who might hire candidates from this course
- Is this course / school widely recognized in the trade. If the credential had little visibility in the marketplace, satisfy yourself as to why this is. Be sure that you are considering unbiased information.
- Verify the success rates of course graduates. If everyone from a very small class has graduated and are happy, is that a large enough sampling of opinion on which to base your purchase?
- Does the school offer job search or placement assistance?
- Does the school offer assistance with co-op placements or job shadowing experiences?
- Does the school offer any form of follow up support services?
- Do you sense that you are being pressured to make a decision?
- Do you understand the course cancellation and refund policies and how this impacts any funding support agreements that you have arranged?
- Have you exhausted your research into the employment sector?
Answering these questions are part of
what
we call Labour Market Research
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