Retraining after a workplace injury.

If you're returning to work through a retraining plan, your tuition may be covered by your compensation plan — and in most cases, you have a say in where you train and what you study.

York College's programs are Ministry-approved, 100% online, and fully self-paced, so you can begin the week your plan is approved — no semesters, no waiting lists, no commute.

HOW SPONSORED RETRAINING WORKS

Three steps to get started.

Step 1 — Talk to your case manager or return-to-work specialist

Retraining is arranged through your return-to-work retraining plan, developed with your input — workers are typically given choices about their training provider and program. All sponsorship and funding decisions rest with your case manager or specialist. If you'd like help identifying which program fits the occupation in your plan, our admissions team can point you in the right direction.

Step 2 — Choose your program

Browse our online vocational diploma programs below. All are Ministry-approved vocational programs delivered 100% online — so training fits around your recovery, your appointments, and your life. Your case manager confirms which program aligns with your plan.

Step 3 — We provide the documentation your plan needs

Once your plan is considering York College, we prepare everything required to support approval: training proposals, tuition breakdowns, letters of acceptance, and progress reports once you're enrolled. We work with funding organizations regularly and make the paperwork easy.
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WHY START-ANYTIME MATTERS FOR YOUR PLAN

       Training time spent training — not waiting.

Most colleges run on semesters: if your plan is approved in October, you may wait until January to begin. At York College, there are no intake dates. Enrollment is completed within two business days of confirmed sponsorship, and your courses open the same week — so the training months in your plan are spent training.

Self-paced delivery also means your schedule flexes around treatment, appointments, and gradual-return arrangements. Study mornings, evenings, or weekends — you set the pace within your plan's timeline, with a full year of program access.

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SPONSORABLE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Programs available to funded learners:

Ministry-approved diplomas, delivered fully online.

Diploma programs:
→ Community Services Worker Diploma (6 months)
→ Hospital Unit Clerk Diploma (4 months)
→ Medical Office Assistant Diploma (6 months)

Additional short certificates may be considered as part of your retraining plan — ask your case manager.

Community Services
→ Shelter Support Worker Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Community Support Worker Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Case Management Certificate (3 weeks)
→ Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Certificate (3 weeks)
→ Harm Reduction Certificate (9 hours)
→ Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Food Service Worker Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Communication and Counselling Skills Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Women's Shelter Worker Certificate (6 weeks)

Healthcare Administration & Support
→ Introduction to Health Care Delivery Systems (6 weeks)

Business & Professional Services
→ Office Administration Professional Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Retail Professional Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Retail Management Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Event Planning Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Construction Project Management Certificate (6 weeks)

Early Learning
→ Early Childcare Professional Certificate (6 weeks)
→ Advanced Childcare Professional Certificate (6 weeks)

Program availability for funded learners may vary depending on your funding source and eligibility. Contact our admissions team for confirmation.
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FOR RETURN-TO-WORK PROFESSIONALS

Documentation-ready, from proposal to completion.

For plan development and approval, we provide on request: program specifications, training proposals, tuition breakdowns, and letters of acceptance — and, for enrolled workers, monthly progress reports aligned to plan milestones. All programs are Ministry-approved vocational programs with defined instructional hour counts; there are no cohort constraints, so training start dates align to plan approval rather than academic calendars.

Program specifications available to case managers and return-to-work professionals on request: admissions@yorkc.ca
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Frequently asked questions

Do I apply for sponsorship through York College?

No. All sponsorship and funding decisions are made by your case manager or return-to-work specialist through your retraining plan. Once your plan is approved, we handle enrollment and provide any documentation your funding organization requires.

How much will my training cost?

For sponsored workers, tuition is arranged directly between your funding organization and York College under your approved plan. Sponsored enrollments are invoiced at our standard Ministry-approved tuition — your case manager receives a full tuition breakdown as part of your training proposal.

Does the York College Access Grant apply to sponsored training?

The Access Grant is an internal grant for self-funded students and does not combine with government or insurer sponsorship — sponsored enrollments proceed at standard Ministry-approved tuition as part of the normal plan process.

How quickly can I start after my plan is approved?

Enrollment is completed within two business days of confirmed sponsorship, and your courses open the same week. There are no intake dates or semesters to wait for.

What if I have physical limitations from my injury?

Our programs are 100% online and self-paced. You study from home, in sessions of any length, with no commuting and no physical program requirements. If your situation needs specific accommodations, contact our admissions team — we'll work with you.

I'm over 55 — do I have other options?

Qualified workers over 55 may have the option to self-direct their own retraining. If you're self-directing your plan, our start-anytime programs fit whatever timeline you set. Ask your case manager whether this applies to you.

Can I really do the whole program online?

Yes — every program is 100% online and self-paced, with one year of access from enrollment. This works well alongside treatment schedules, appointments, and gradual-return arrangements.

How long do the programs take?

Most certificate programs can be completed in 3–6 weeks. Diploma programs take approximately 4-6 months. All programs are self-paced, so your completion timeline works with your schedule and your recovery.

What documentation do you provide to my case manager?

Training proposals, tuition breakdowns, letters of acceptance, and — once you're enrolled — progress reports aligned to your plan's milestones.

Is York College a registered career college?

Yes. York College of Applied Studies is registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. We are a recognized Designated Learning Institution (DLI: O275157104632). York College of Applied Studies (online campus) is registered to receive WSIB sponsored students.

Ready to get started?

Contact our admissions team to discuss your program options and get the documentation your retraining plan needs.
Email: admissions@yorkc.ca Phone: (647) 558-7060