The Ontario government is re-launching a $54.7 million financial support program for up to 4,000 new students at private career colleges in Ontario. The Ford Government expects that will help address the shortage of PSWs in the province.
Eligible students who enroll between June 1 and September 30, 2022,can receive financial support of up to $13,690 for tuition, books and other mandatory fees, as well as a stipend for a clinical work placement.
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, said 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
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.
“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.”
“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.”