[UPDATE]
In addition to the initiative to train and recruit 373 PSWs, the Government of Ontario has introduced a new program. This expanded program will provide free education and paid training to 6000 new students. The program will also assist 2200 existing PSW students. Find out more details about this program here.
The program to train and recruit 6000 PSWs is now open for registration.
Click here to view further details and how to register.
Personal Support Workers are the major providers of care.
There are 120,000 PSWs working in Ontario out of which 40,000 work in the long-term care sector.
Over the past year, we have seen multiple Government announcements to provide accelerated training programs in order to recruit more Personal Support Workers.
These announcements have come both, at the Federal and Provincial levels.
On February 22, 2021, the Ontario Minister of Labour, Training, and Skills Development, Montee McNaughton, along with the Minister of Long-term Care, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, made an announcement regarding a $4 million investment to help train and provide funding/resources for 373 new Personal Support Workers (PSWs).
“But the need for them is greater than it has ever been, especially as we begin adding more direct care for a growing seniors’ population.”
Minister of Long-Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton
Please note that this is a Government of Ontario initiative.
The Federal Government has also announced a free accelerated PSW training program that we are still waiting to find further details.
This initiative to train and hire 373 PSWs is focused on areas most impacted by COVID-19.
Do note that the Government’s long-term plan is to recruit 27,000 PSWs, Registered Nurses (RNs), and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs).
Here are some quick facts about this funding announcement:
| Funding to Train | Personal Support Workers |
| Number of PSWs to be trained | 373 |
| Number of programs to train PSWs | 8 |
| Location of training programs | Hamilton & Burlington Greater Toronto Area Lanark & Renfrew Kitchener North Bay Hamilton London Ottawa |
The Overview
This initiative to train and employ 373 Personal Support Workers is one of many programs launched by the Government of Ontario.
Some of the other Government programs recently launched are:
New program to become a Resident Support Aide
New PSW Work for Life initiative
$5000 PSW Return of Service initiative
The program will assist in training and hiring PSWs in Ontario that has been the hardest hit by the prevailing pandemic.
The Government has chosen six lead organizations to deliver free-tuition PSW programs in the province of Ontario.
Here is the breakdown:
| College | Location | PSWs to be Trained |
|---|---|---|
| Canadore College | North Bay | 20 |
| Canadian Career Academy | Lanark & Renfrew | 60 |
| Mohawk College | Hamilton | 20 |
| Pinecrest-Queensway CHC | Ottawa | 120 |
| VON | GTA | 33 |
| ParaMed | Kitchener | 60 |
| ParaMed | London | 30 |
| ParaMed | Burlington/Hamilton | 30 |
| Total | 373 |
How to Enroll
Pertinent details and contact information for each organization partnered to deliver this program is listed below.
However,
since this is a Government-funded program, it is best to contact your local Employment office as well.
Contact Employment Ontario
You have several options to contact your local Employment Ontario office.
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET
Telephone: 416-326-5656
Toll-free: 1-800-387-5656
Email: [email protected]
You can also chat live with someone at Employment Ontario.
Canadore College
The PSW program at Canadore College will connect 20 unemployed job seekers from the local Ontario Works caseload with PSW training.
Location of campus: North Bay
Number of students accepted: 20
Certificate earned: Personal Support Worker
Contact
Nancy R. Bush, RPN – Professor / Coordinator
Professor
705.474.7600 ext. 5145
[email protected]
or
Canadore College Admissions Office
705.474.7600 ext. 5123
[email protected]
Canadian Career Academy
The Pathway2PSW project in Lanark and Renfrew counties will provide free training, which includes healthcare assessment, formal healthcare training, and virtual reality learning.
Location of campus(s): Lanark and Renfrew
Number of students accepted: 60
Certificate earned: Personal Support Worker
Contact
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 613-257-3237
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
Students will be trained to become job-ready, skilled PSWs using healthcare sector employment and training services.
Location of campus: Hamilton
Number of students accepted: 20
Certificate earned: Personal Support Worker
Contact
Student recruitment at Mohawk College
Get in touch with an admission advisor, or
Call at 1-844-767-6871
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre
This is an “Earn As You Learn” PSW Certification project.
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre is offering this program in partnership with two career colleges in the region.
Location of campus(s): Ottawa
Number of students accepted: 120
Certificate earned: Personal Support Worker
Contact
Pinecrest Queensway Employment Services
2525 Carling Avenue, Unit 6
Ottawa, ON K2B 7Z2
Telephone: 613-288-3880
Email: [email protected]
Victorian Order for Nurses for Canada-Ontario Branch
Trios College and the National Association of Career Colleges are partnering to provide a 17-week training PSW program accompanied by an 11-week field placement.
Location of campus(s): GTA (Greater Toronto Area)
Number of students accepted: 33
Certificate earned: Personal Support Worker
Contact
Greater Toronto Area: 647 788 3180 or toll-free 1 855 285 2991
Region of Peel: 1 800 727 1581
ParaMed
The Kitchener program is a 21-week accelerated PSW program, preparing students to work in the home and community healthcare sector. The London and Burlington/Hamilton programs offer the Fast Track PSW program through Conestoga College.
Location of Campus(s): Kitchener, London, Burlington/Hamilton
Number of students accepted: 60 at Kitchener, 30 at London, and 30 at Burlington/Hamilton
Certificate earned: Personal Support Worker
Contact
Trios College:
London and Kitchener campus: 1-800-898-7467
You can chat live with an admission representative.
Conestoga College:
Remember that all these programs are funded by the Government of Ontario.
In order for you to pursue one of the listed programs, you must contact the individual college or organization first.
It is also a good idea to contact your local Employment Ontario office.
