For many students, government programs can cover a portion or even the full cost of a MELT Class A program in Ontario. While each program has specific criteria, our team at Caledon Truck Driving School works closely with case managers, employment counsellors, and Indigenous training advisors to make your funding process smoother.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through six major government programs that help Ontario residents train for high-demand careers like trucking.
Government Programs for All
1. Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career)
Better Jobs Ontario provides unemployed or low-income Ontario residents with up to $28,000 in grants. It covers tuition, books, supplies, basic living allowances (up to $500/week), transportation, and dependent care. You qualify if you are unemployed or facing long-term unemployment and ready for vocational training lasting 52 weeks or less.
Expect your employment specialist to assess skills, experience, and job-market fit. The approval process usually completes within 3–6 weeks after you submit a full application. Students may also receive funding for language training or disability support.
Not sure how to get started?
If you are unsure how to get started, please reach out to our admissions department. They will walk you through the process and explain the requirements clearly.
Help you can expect from CTDS:
- Guide you in finding a case worker near you and provide the program details Ontario requires
- Assist with filling out forms and ensuring your application is complete, at no additional cost
- Help you stay organized with any records needed by Better Jobs Ontario
2. WSIB Return-to-Work Programs
WSIB’s Return-to-Work initiative assists workers recovering from workplace injury or illness. Eligible participants qualify once their WSIB claim is accepted. The program supports up to 12 months of tailored vocational rehabilitation, medical care, and workplace accommodations.
A WSIB case manager, nurse consultant, and specialist design a plan based on medical fitness and employer needs. You receive wage-loss benefits, rehabilitation, and potential retraining to perform either your original job or a suitable alternative. Nearly 90% of injured workers return to work within a year.
3. Ontario Works Employment Assistance
Ontario Works (OW) offers financial and employment support to adults in financial need. For single adults, basic aid covers up to $733/month for food and shelter. After three months, beneficiaries can keep the first $200 earned monthly, and 50 cents of each dollar above that in their paycheque.
OGAP funds up to $253/year for career-related activities, including tools, clothing, certifications. Trucking students must have a caseworker and action plan. Application review may take 2–4 weeks. OW helps CTDS learners bridge to training with living assistance and skill development support.
Indigenous Students Funding
Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISET)
Eligible applicants include First Nations, Inuit, or Métis individuals living on- or off-reserve. Programs vary locally and may include training, certifications, life skills, and job placement services.
Funding covers tuition, living expenses, transportation, and childcare. Approval and training usually begin within 4–8 weeks of application, depending on community delivery partnerships.
Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF)
AEDF supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and training initiatives. Indigenous learners training for trades or business-related roles may qualify for grants of $5,000 to $15,000, covering equipment, travel, and certification costs.
Trucking students must present a feasible business or career plan and work with Ontario Indigenous Services. Reviewing takes about 6–10 weeks, with funds released once eligibility and plan are approved. AEDF compliments ISET by providing additional business-focused support.
Anishnabeg Outreach/Employment Program
This regional program provides job preparation, vocational training, and support for trades entry. Funding includes tuition, tools, travel, and living assistance of up to $12,000 per year.
Eligibility requires membership in an Anishinabek community and participation intention in trades or skilled occupations. Intake cycles vary, but training approval typically occurs within 4–6 weeks after application submission.
Ontario provides strong, program-specific support for adults pursuing further training.
If you’re not sure where to start, our Brampton truck driving school is happy to connect with your case manager or funding advisor to help move things forward.
