Employment and education
Employment
In 2006, legislation ending mandatory retirement came into effect providing greater fairness and choice for workers aged 65 or older who can now decide for themselves when, and if, to retire.
Employment Ontario
Employment Ontario is an integrated employment and training network that makes it easier for Ontarians to find the employment and training programs and services they need. Employment Ontario Contact Centre
Employment Service
The goal of Employment Service is to provide Ontarians with improved access to all of the employment services they need in one location to help them find and keep a job, apply for training and plan a career.
Ontario Job Creation Partnerships
This program is designed to improve the long-term employment prospects of people eligible for or in receipt of Employment Insurance benefits by providing them with opportunities to gain work experience.
Better Jobs Ontario
The objective of Better Jobs Ontario is to support eligible laid-off workers to get the skills training they need to help them find work in occupations with demonstrated labour market prospects. The program offers up to $28,000 for tuition, books, transportation and other training related expenses. This amount may be higher for persons with disabilities. There is no age limit for people to participate in the Better Jobs program.
Job Bank
The Job Bank is a web-based network of national job postings that are available to all Canadians. It provides labour market information for job seekers and employers.
Ontario WorkinfoNet (OnWIN)
OnWIN is a free, bilingual online web directory that provides Ontarians with current and relevant career and volunteer opportunities and labour market information. Seniors can use OnWIN to make informed decisions about volunteer, employment and further training opportunities.
Employment Standards Act (ESA)
All Ontarians have the right to be treated fairly in the workplace. The ESA sets out the minimum standards that employers and employees must follow. If you are employed in Ontario, you are probably protected by the ESA.
Learn more about your rights and obligations under the ESA
Employment Standards Information Centre
Internationally trained professionals
If you are an internationally trained professional, Ontario has a number of bridging programs that could help you.
Lifelong learning
Continuing and distance education
Many Ontario school boards, colleges and universities offer opportunities for continuing and distance education. Some offer special discounts for seniors.
Third Age Network
This network consists of self-managed groups of seniors who share learning experiences on a wide range of subjects.
Independent Learning Centre
This centre provides distance education and General Education Development (GED) testing. It offers people an alternative way to get their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Computer training
Public libraries run courses for beginners and for more advanced users. Most courses are free.
Examples of libraries with computer programs:
- Barrie Library
- Midland Library
- North Bay: Callander Public Library
- Sudbury Library
- Township of Russell Public Library
- Toronto Public Library
Find training programs near you with 211.
- Through 211ontario.ca, calling
2-1-1 ,Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213 orToll-free TTY: 1-844-483-9835 . - Seniors Active Living Centre Programs offer educational programming that may include computer training.
- The Lifelong Learning Plan allows you to withdraw money from your RRSPs to help pay for full-time education for you, your spouse or common-law partner.
Please see the finances section of this guide for more information.