Ontario Skills Development (oSD)
While SKILLS DEVELOPMENT and SECOND CAREER compliment each other, there are differences and each program does serve different needs.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of Ontario Skills Development is to return insured participants to employment as quickly as possible, therefore, the training supported under OSD reflects the shortest route to sustainable employment.
ELIGIBILITY:
Clients must meet certain eligibility requirements as stated by the EI act, but in general, Clients must fall into one of the following categories:
- Currently receiving EI or eligible to receive EI
- Has received EI, or been eligible to receive EI, in any of the past 3 years
(Reachback Client)
- received Maternity or Paternity benefits any time in the past 5 years.
Working with a counsellor will help to determine the eligibility level and as well the direction of use of Skills Development or Second Career programs.
RESTRICTIONS:
Currently:
- Program rules do change so it is best to see a counsellor.
- The skills training supported must provide the worker with the skills necessary for employment, but is not restricted to an occupation in Skill Level B of the Statistics Canada NOC Skills Matrix(2006) [The NOC Code]. Second Career does require that occupations fall within the Level B occupations.
- The total skills training duration is not restricted to a specific minimum duration, however and individual training agreements usually are in the range of 1 year or less. Specific needs will be addressed with a counsellor.
CHOICES:
Applicants are required to research the course choice from two source providers. These include Community Colleges or Private Vocational Schools.
PROCEDURE:
A counsellor can provide more detailed information on all aspects of a Skills Development Application. This is a valuable part of building an effective Return to Work Action Plan.
ONTARIO DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAM (ODSP)
This program is administered separately from the general Employment Ontario programs, although funded by the Province.
Participants in this program are typically individuals who face a multitude of employment barriers and require specialized support services such as mentoring, direct employment supports, long term counselling and may also be faced with extenuating health issues. Not all clients assisted by ODSP will be employment ready, however, for those who are, a cautious and planned approach is developed between the client and the ODSP service provider.
Please contact the ODSP program directly for the most efficient information.
CLICK HERE To Visit The ODSP Wesbite!
WORKPLACE SAFETY and INSURANCE BOARD (WSIB)
Most employed workers in Ontario are protected by WSIB insurance which is a requirement of most (but not all) employers. In the event of debilitating injuries, a worker may file a claim for benefits. If the WSIB claim is approved, a range of activity and services will be offered.
Assistance may be extended financial support while off work for a period of time while recouperating. Special medical services may be offered as needed and as well a return to work plan will be developed. In some cases, simply returning to your previous work will be sufficient, in other cases, retraining may be required. In that event, a process will be developed between the client and WSIB staff to assess and determine the appropriate skills needed and the way in which to obtain them. In other extreme cases, a client may not be able to return to work at all and a longer term benefit will be determined, again between the client and WSIB.
The most essential point with workplace safety is to be aware of your working conditions and do not allow yourself to be put into a dangerous situation. Be aware of your personal work habits and assess the work environment carefully.
Please contact the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board directly for exact information.
CLICK HERE To Visit The WSIB Website!
T.R. LEGER ALTERNATE SCHOOLS (Secondary School Diploma)
Throughout much of Eastern Ontario the T.R.Leger Alternate Schools are the primary choice for individuals who need to complete their Secondary School Diploma. These schools mostly attract a mature age student, ones who most often do not feel comfortable attending a regular secondary high school. There is no age restriction and often mature adults will attend. Many vocational programs do require a Secondary High School Diploma as a prerequisite to acceptance.
These schools offer considerable flexibility and have minimal costs associated with their courses. Most locations offer academic upgrading leading to the diploma, some locations offer basic computer courses and other topics.
Please contact the T.R.Leger Schools for exact information. If there is no school in your location, ask your employment counsellor for the nearest campus location.
www.ucdsb.on.ca/trleger
ONTARIO SELF EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (SEB)
Many individuals may consider self employment as a viable career choice.
This option can be supported through The Ontario Self Employment Benefit program. This program provides an in depth training period which includes business plan development and mentoring through to implementation.
Participants are encouraged to establish their business and to create income while doing so. Employment Insurance benefits will be extended to help while establishing your business.
Working collaboratively with instruction staff and other clients who also want to establish their own business creates an environment that is supportive and productive. You can learn best practices and an accelerated learning curve on the many steps taken in building you own business.
In the Lanark County area, this free service is provided by VDMA Training & Consulting Inc. - www.vdma.ca
Other self employment and business development supports are offered by:
Valley Heartland/Community Futures
OCRI
Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Service Canada
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