Through RFQ as well as the Call for Proposal (CFP) process the participating applicants were invited to attend optional information sessions providing key highlights of the Employment Services Transformation and the competitive process. The applicants were able to submit questions after the information sessions. The responses were posted by the ministry to all the applicants… Continue reading Was there an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions and provide feedback about the Request for Qualification (RFQ)?
Topic: Program Overview
How are service system managers (SSMs) selected?
SSMs are selected through a two-stage competitive process. The ministry is aiming to attract high performing organizations with the expertise and capacity to oversee the planning, delivery, and design of employment services as SSMs. The two-stage competitive process to select SSMs included: Stage 1: Request for Qualification (RFQ) RFQs are posted and are open to… Continue reading How are service system managers (SSMs) selected?
How does an individual apply for Fast Track?
To apply to the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) Fast Track stream, individuals complete the same application process as regular BJO applicants but fill out different application questions. They also do not have to complete a suitability assessment and are only required to research one training institution.
How did the ministry determine the service areas/catchments?
The ministry developed a framework, supported by data, that considers and includes feedback from stakeholders that was gathered during initial vendor engagement in 2019. The 15 catchment areas for Integrated Employment Services (IES) are aligned with Statistics Canada, however, the ministry modified the Toronto Economic Region catchment area to address the complexity and density of… Continue reading How did the ministry determine the service areas/catchments?
What is the role of the Transformation Secretariat?
The government established a Transformation Secretariat to help achieve the province’s vision for integrated delivery of employment services. The Secretariat leads the selection process and stewardship of the Integrated Employment Services model and ensures strategic alignment across ministries and service system managers, as well as close collaboration with service delivery partners and stakeholders. The Ministry… Continue reading What is the role of the Transformation Secretariat?
Who is eligible for Fast Track?
To be eligible for the Fast Track Stream, individuals must meet all of the following criteria: Have been laid-off on or after March 1, 2020 from a sector identified as highly impacted by COVID-19; Have no more than a high school education and/or have been laid-off from an occupation that required no more than a… Continue reading Who is eligible for Fast Track?
What is the Fast Track stream?
The Fast Track Stream was temporarily added to the BJO program to support individuals most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals are considered most impacted by COVID-19 if they are lower-skilled and have been laid off during the pandemic from a highly impacted sector. The Fast Track stream helps people access training to get back… Continue reading What is the Fast Track stream?
If an applicant receives benefits from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), do they need to notify their Social Assistance (SA) caseworker that they will be receiving Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) funding and attending skills training?
Yes. It is the client’s responsibility to notify their SA caseworker to determine how their participation in the BJO program may affect their benefits from OW/ODSP (i.e., income support and/or health benefits).
What connections are there between the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) program and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?
Both OSAP and BJO support Ontarians to meet their skills development, training, and other educational goals. Better Jobs Ontario provides grant support for tuition and other costs related to training linked directly to the clients’ employment goals and in support of in demand labour market needs. OSAP offers a mix of grants and loans to… Continue reading What connections are there between the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) program and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?
Do Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) clients lose their Employment Insurance (EI) when they participate in BJO?
No. Section 25 of the Employment Insurance Act allows individuals who receive EI regular benefits to take part in training programs and other employment activities that will facilitate their return to the labour force by exempting them from their obligation to actively look and be available for work. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and… Continue reading Do Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) clients lose their Employment Insurance (EI) when they participate in BJO?