In July 2021, the Government of Ontario and its Long-Term Care Staffing Plan invested $86 million into the training of new personal support workers. Called the PSW Challenge Fund Program (PSW-CF), it ensures the future of the long-term care industry by creating 8,000 new PSWs through programs offered by private career colleges like the AOLCC.
As part of receiving tuition through the PSW-CF, all students enrolled in personal support worker programs complete a mandatory Early Learning Experience (ELE). Completed within the first 4 weeks of starting their program, it’s designed to give students the understanding of what a “day in the life” of a PSW is like.
Recently, several groups of Albion College PSW students had the chance to complete their ELE at Chartwell Waterford Retirement Residence in Oakville, Ontario. Taking place on July 29, 2021, two groups of students took part in daily PSW duties, including learning the layouts and processes of the retirement residence, interacting and assisting with residents, and learning how to work with fellow PSWs to complete tasks.
As part of their experience, students wore PSW uniforms and took part in COVID-19 safety procedures, including mask wearing, sanitation techniques and social distancing for residents. A third group of PSW placement students completed their ELE on August 5, 2021.
The PSW-CF is a special program outside of AOLCC’s standard PSW program. Funded by the Government of Ontario, students are paid a stipend for the practical portion of their program: an on-site PSW placement completed in the last 8 weeks of their program. In total, students must complete their 1-day ELE, 20 weeks of classroom instruction, 8 weeks of practical instruction, and their National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) final exam to to graduate.
Upon completion of the students’ ELE, Chartwell Waterford’s management and residents expressed how positive the experience was for them, as the students learned quickly, worked well together, and were willing to help however they were able.
The students themselves were enthusiastic as well, expressing how enjoyable and helpful the on-site experience was. They expect to be job-ready near the end of year and can’t wait to become full-fledged personal support workers out in the world.
Interested in pursuing personal support worker opportunities?
It takes dedication and compassion to become a successful PSW. Enrolling in the Personal Support Worker program at AOLCC will give you the training in basic nursing and social service skills you need to provide the care that Canada’s aging population deserves.
Our programs are designed to have you job-ready in less than a year, and the PSW program includes a clinical work placement that prepares you for working in long-term care facilities, retirement communities, day programs and more.
Contact us today and book an appointment at Albion College.
