PSW training gets boost at funding announcement in Oshawa

The Ontario government is investing nearly $17 million in two programs that will support the training of 700 new personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses in long-term care in 2025.

The province is spending $14 million to expand a program that has provided placements for nurses and PSWs at more than 500 LTC homes since 2022 and another $2.6 million to help grow the PSW Learn and Earn accelerated program at Toronto’s Humber Polytechnic, with Long-Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta in Oshawa Wednesday to make the announcement.

“Our government is growing the long-term care workforce so residents get more of the high-quality care they need in the right place,” Kusendova-Bashta said. “At the same time, we’re helping people upskill to new careers and making sure nursing and PSW students gain meaningful hands-on experience as part of their training.”

The funding builds on the success of programs that have already helped 27,500 students complete placements in long-term care and given more than 170 long-term care staff to become PSWs – part of a plan to recruit and retain tens of thousands of long-term care staff over the coming years.

The new investment in the Preceptor Resource and Education program for LTC care (PREP LTC) will support 650 new clinical placements this year and help long-term care homes train more than 500 new ‘preceptors’ who supervise students and help long-term care homes backfill staff while they are in the preceptor role.

“This significant investment in the PREP LTC and Learn and Earn will further expand these programs’ profound impact on long-term care across Ontario,” said Dr. Kumanana Wilson, the CEO of Bruyère Health Research Institute. “By expanding training opportunities and supporting workforce growth, we not only enhance quality of care for residents but also empower individuals to build fulfilling careers in this vital sector. These programs represent a meaningful step towards a stronger, more resilient long-term care system where quality of life for residents is maximized.”

The expansion of the PSW program at Humber will create space for an additional cohort of 100 existing long-term care staff currently providing personal support services without a formal PSW certificate, an opportunity to ‘upskill’ and receive their certificate and continue working in their role as a PSW.

“The Learn & Earn Accelerated Program is a valuable tool for upskilling within the long-term care sector as it enables learners to continue working while they train,” said Humber Polytechnic CEO Ann Marie Vaughan.

These programs, together with other targeted investments and collaborations with postsecondary partners has helped hire, train and retain more than 24,000 PSWs and 3,000 nurse graduates since 2020.

“This investment is the latest example of our government’s commitment to ensuring Ontario worker have the skills required to meet our province’s labour market needs,” said Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn. “The expansion of these two critical education programs will ensure our long-term care homes have excellent, well-equipped workers for decades to come.”