TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing $77 million to help people who were laid off due to the impact of COVID-19 find in-demand jobs in their local communities. This funding is being provided through the redesigned Second Career grant program and will help more than 2,750 job seekers with up to $28,000 for tuition, training materials and living expenses.

The updated initiative will help job seekers train for careers in sectors including:

·         advanced manufacturing

·         life sciences

·         information and communications and;

·         supportive health services.

“Our government will connect people to rewarding careers, enabling them to contribute to our economic recovery,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “Our updated and improved Second Career program will help people get back on their feet, learn new skills and provide hope for them and their families.”

Enhancements will focus on training initiatives with a duration of 52 weeks or less, helping more people get trained quicker and get back to work faster. These changes will also remove existing caps on the funding amount available to cover tuition at a wider range of institutions.

The government remains committed to continuously improving Second Career to ensure that support is given to those impacted the most by COVID-19.