More Laid-Off Workers To Get Second Career
Training
McGuinty Government Expands Opportunities To Keep Ontarians Working
TORONTO, Oct. 24
NEWS
Ontario is expanding access to Second Career so more laid-off workers can
get skills training for high-demand jobs in their communities.
Second Career was launched in June 2008 to help laid-off Ontarians
identify and train for new careers in growing sectors. These new enhancements
allow more laid-off workers to participate and take advantage of the training
opportunities available, and build new skills for the careers of the future.
As of November 10, 2008, the guidelines for Second Career will be
expanded to include:
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- Workers laid off as far back as January 1, 2005
- Laid-off workers who have taken an interim job to make ends meet
- Short term training options (less than six months) for laid-off
workers who are not eligible for Employment Insurance
- Potential additional financial assistance to cover expenses for the
cost of academic upgrading, living away from home while participating
in training, and dependent care.
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Investing in skills training is a key part of the government's five-point
economic plan (http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/economicplan/Default.asp?Lang=EN)
- an economic stimulus that is helping individuals and families through the
foreseen weakening economy.
QUOTES
"The enhancements to Second Career are about ensuring more Ontarians have
the opportunities and skills for success, so that they are working in
well-paying jobs in a period of economic uncertainty," said John Milloy,
Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. "Our government will continue
to invest in skills and knowledge and to support Ontario families through a
time of economic change."
QUICK FACTS
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- 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.
- 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.
- Since 2003, the Ontario economy has created more than half a million
net new jobs.
- Employment Ontario provides training and employment services to almost
one million people annually.
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