TORONTO — The Ontario government is continuing to build a more resilient health care system for generations to come by making it easier to become a personal support worker (PSW). Ontario is re-launching a $54.7 million financial support program for up to 4,000 new students at private career colleges in Ontario, which will help address the shortage of PSWs in the province.
“Our government is committed to making investments that will ensure Ontarians have access to the care they need, and private career colleges have an excellent track record preparing students for in-demand roles in health and long-term care,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “We’re making it easier for more students to train as personal support workers at private career colleges to prepare them for critical jobs caring for some of the most vulnerable people as we build a more resilient and stronger health care system across Ontario.”
Through this investment, for eligible students who enrol between June 1 and September 30, 2022, financial support of up to $13,690 will be available to cover the costs of tuition, books and other mandatory fees, as well as a stipend for a clinical work placement. This funding will be available to new students enrolled in a PSW program at one of the participating Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) approved private career colleges.
“Private Career Colleges are critical to meet the pressing demand of local health care facilities and long-term care homes,” said Adrian Sharma, Chair of Career Colleges Ontario. “With the re-launched financial support program announced today, Private Career Colleges can continue to provide our health care system with much-needed, well-trained workers in numerous communities across the province.”
This investment supports the government’s Long-Term Care Staffing Plan, so that long-term care homes can provide an average of four hours of direct care per day to residents, and as well our commitment to modernizing home and community care that will establish integrated and innovative models of care to keep people healthier at home.