(Sault Ste. Marie, February 24, 2021) – The new accelerated training program for personal support workers (PSWs) announced today by the provincial government will produce a huge increase in the PSW training at Ontario’s colleges.
“This is a major step to help fill the demand for personal support workers in our community,” Ron Common, Sault College President “It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a new career in this field.”
The Ontario government announced funding today for an accelerated program that will cover students’ tuition and other expenses. The accelerated program starts April 5 and allows participants to graduate with full credentials within six months.
The program will begin accepting applications in early March. The added enrolment is expected to result in over 8,000 PSW graduates by this fall.
The accelerated program allows students to fulfil the program requirements more quickly by increasing the number of study hours per week.
It will use a hybrid model that combines online learning with in-person practical experience. Students in the program will complete courses online and participate in laboratory classes available at the colleges and in care settings.
Students in the accelerated program will be available to volunteer at long-term care homes and other settings early in the program and available for paid work placements after three months.
Graduates will enter the workforce at the end of six months. The standard PSW programs at colleges take eight months to complete.
“Our graduates provide essential care to many of our most vulnerable citizens,” Common said. “We were pleased to collaborate with the province to create this new opportunity for students.”
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About Sault College
The vision of Sault College is to provide a transformative life experience through empowering those who study with us to think and learn in progressive, innovative ways, including those we have not yet imagined. Sault College grants Ontario College certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and degrees to its graduates. The College is the largest deliverer of apprenticeship training in all of Northern Ontario. Sault College has a significant economic impact on the community, with spin-offs in excess of $158 million. Over $2 million dollars in scholarships, bursaries and awards are distributed annually to students at the College. Located on the border to the United States and situated in the middle of three of the largest Great Lakes on the planet, in the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe, Sault College is one of 24 publicly-funded colleges in the province of Ontario.