Forty-five new Personal Support Workers (PSW) are ready to work thanks to the accelerated PSW course at Canadore College.
The first cohort of students in the course has completed their training in North Bay and Parry Sound.
“I was laid off due to COVID-19 in early 2020, and I obtained a job working as a care attendant at a local long-term care home,” says graduate Heather Weston. “When I heard about the Personal Support Worker Accelerated course, I thought this would be a great way to further my education and become a certified personal support worker.”
The accelerated program, which received provincial funding to cover students’ tuition and other expenses, allowed participants to graduate with full credentials within six months.
“I have already started to work as a PSW, and I am loving it. I look forward to having a very rewarding career helping our elderly population,” Weston says.
George Burton, Canadore College President and CEO, says the demand for healthcare professionals is only going to increase with Ontario’s aging population.
“This program is a major step to help fill the demand for personal support workers in our region, and it was an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a new career in this field,” he says.
A hybrid model was used to deliver the program, combining online learning with in-person practical experience.
