Employment and learning
Find jobs and training programs, understand employment standards and keep learning.
Working in Ontario
There is no mandatory retirement age in Ontario. This means you don’t have to retire at age 65. You get to decide if and when you want to retire.
Job and training programs through Employment Ontario
Employment Ontario has hundreds of service locations across Ontario and offers free programs and services that help people train for new careers and find good jobs.
Find employment and training programs.
Employment Ontario Contact Centre
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Email: contactEO@ontario.ca
Live chat
Ontario Job Creation Partnerships
Gain skills and get work experience. The Ontario Job Creation Partnerships program is for people who are receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or are eligible for EI. You can expect to develop employable skills and get current work experience to increase your chances of finding long-term employment.
Better Jobs Ontario
If you’ve been laid off and you’re having trouble finding a stable job, the Better Jobs Ontario program may be able to help. It helps you pay for living expenses and training costs while you train for a new job. The program offers:
- skills training for jobs where there is demand
- up to $28,000 for tuition, books, transportation and other training-related expenses
The amount may be higher for people with disabilities. The program is open to all ages.
Live chat
Email: contactEO@ontario.ca
Job banks and postings
Ontario WorkinfoNet
Find volunteer, job and training opportunities with Ontario WorkinfoNET (OnWIN). It’s the province’s largest network of work and labour market information. It’s free and available in English and French.
Job Bank
The Government of Canada Job Bank posts jobs open to all Canadians. You can:
- search by job description and location
- find labour market information
Your rights at work
Employment Standards Act
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) sets out minimum rights for most employees in Ontario workplaces, such as minimum wage, public holidays, vacation time and pay, termination and severance pay. If you are employed in Ontario, you are likely protected by the ESA.
The ESA also provides for several job-protected leaves, such as sick leave, family responsibility leave, bereavement leave, family caregiver leave and family medical leave, etc.
Find more information on leaves.
Employment Standards Information Centre
Email: webes@ontario.ca
Occupational Health and Safety Act
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is Ontario's legislation for workplace health and safety. The main purpose of the OHSA is to protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job by:
- setting out duties for all workplace parties and rights for workers to help establish a strong internal responsibility system (IRS) in the workplace
- establishing measures and procedures for dealing with workplace hazards
- providing for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily
Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre
Email: webohs@ontario.ca
Continue your career in Canada
Internationally trained professionals
Do you have qualifications or training in another country?
- Continue your career in Canada with the Ontario Bridge Training Program.
- Learn about other Ontario services to help you work in your profession or trade.
Education and training
Learning is a lifelong journey. It helps us grow and have a good quality of life. This section lists opportunities for older adults.
Continue learning as a senior
Online and in-person education
There are many opportunities for you to continue learning, in person and virtually. Some offer special discounts for seniors.
TVO Independent Learning Centre
Ontario’s largest online high school provides flexible, affordable online learning. The non-profit offers:
- individual courses
- an alternative way to get your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- General Education Development (GED) testing
TVO Independent Learning Centre
Computer training courses
Ontario public libraries run computer courses for beginners and advanced users. Many courses are free.
Examples of libraries with computer courses:
- Barrie Public Library
- Callander Public Library
- Greater Sudbury Public Library
- Midland Public Library
- Toronto Public Library
- Township of Russell Public Library
Ask your public library if they have computer courses. The Seniors Active Living Centre program in your area may also offer computer training.
Ontario 211
Literacy and basic skills
Ontario’s Literacy and basic skills program helps to improve your reading, writing, math, computer and other basic skills.
You will work with a service provider to put together a learning plan that will help you meet your goals of further education, apprenticeship, employment or greater self-confidence.
Request a service provider appointment.
Learn about the literacy and basic skills program.
Need financial help to support your education?
- Read the “Money and finances” chapter of this guide.
- You can withdraw money from your RRSPs to help pay for full-time education. The Canada Revenue Agency Lifelong Learning Plan is available to you, your spouse or common-law partner.