Ontario has stepped up with more money to train Personal Support Workers (PSWs) across the province.
The additional funding of $16.5 million to train 600 news PSWs was announced this week by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care.
The province said this is a move toward ensuring that residents in LTC homes get the care they need.
The announcement said the new money is part of the Ontario government commitment to ensure long-term care residents receive an average of four hours of hands-on direct care each day by 2025.
"The Learn and Earn Accelerated Program for Personal Support Workers in Long-Term Care (LEAP LTC) is an online program in partnership with Humber College that accelerates the training of existing long-term care staff, such as resident attendants and dietary aides, to become personal support workers," said a statement from the ministry.
The LEAP program was first launched in 2022 and consists of full-time online course work that is followed up with a paid on-site clinical placement in the LTC home where the participant already works, said the province.
"This makes it possible for people to build their skills without leaving their communities. By providing training, financial and mentorship support to participants, the program helps them overcome geographical and financial barriers that may hinder their career growth," said the ministry statement.
Ontario Colleges and Universities Minister Jill Dunlop said the move will expedite LTC care in many smaller communities across the province.
"Our government is committed to increasing choices and reducing barriers to high‐quality, postsecondary education for students. Providing long-term care workers with a combination of virtual and in-person education and training options so they can upgrade their skills and become personal support workers will help meet the health care needs of more residents in local communities across Ontario."
