Second Career

Choosing a new career path is a major life altering decision. It will affect every aspect of your life. Some people know exactly what they want to do while others are overwhelmed by choices. Conestoga can assist you with educational options that will help you make an educated choice that will suit your life and financial expectations. To learn more view programs funded by the Second Career Strategy program.

Who issues program funding?

Funding may be available through MTCU Second Career Strategy for those who qualify. Conestoga Career Centre advisors can assist you through the process of collecting information needed for your application, however MTCU grants the funding not the colleges themselves.

What is Second Career Strategy?

Second Career provides help to laid-off workers in need who will benefit most from training to find work. Several factors are considered when figuring out who will receive funding. Applicants will be assisted  based on their active job search, length of unemployment, education background, work history, labour market prospects, training request, experience and occupational skills.

Who may be eligible for funding?

The Second Career Strategy will support recently laid-off unemployed workers who require skills training for employment in high-skill, demand occupations in the local labour market.

Key Changes to Second Career (SC) (as of November 20th, 2009)

This includes:

• SC and Ontario Skills Development combined under new SC Guidelines
• Programs can be full-time & part-time
• EI eligibility no longer essential to qualify
• Training must lead to sustainable employment locally or provincially in NOC B & NOC C
• Standardized assessment matrix
• Client contributions to training is mandatory determined by the LICO (Low Income Cut Off)
• Program Cap of $28,000 remains
• Costs for disability, accommodation, dependent care, living away from home and costs for academic upgrading are not impacted by $28,000 cap

You can apply to Second Career if you:

• are laid off or have been laid off since January 2005
• are unemployed or working an interim job
• are choosing to retrain for a career that is in demand

What does the funding cover?

Second Career Strategy can help an applicant with the costs of tuition, books, living expenses and other costs associated with the training to build skills for a new career.

How to Apply

Please select the program of interest by visiting the funded programs list noted on the right side and refer to Admissions Procedures included with each program description.

If you do not:

• meet the admission requirements
• have your Grade 12
• or are concerned about your academic skills you may benefit from our Preparatory Programs.

Funding may be available through MTCU Second Career Strategy for those who qualify.

Subject areas are listed in the upper right hand corner. Select an area that is of interest to you to learn more and please contact the appropriate coordinator for more details or arrange an appointment to discuss the program.

Contact Information

For more information please contact the Conestoga Career Centre at 519-748-3535 or
1-877-748-3535.