The purpose of the Earn As You Learn, PSW program is to provide eligible participants in the Ottawa area the opportunity to train for a new career as a Personal Support Worker. This program is in collaboration with Pinecrest-Queensway Employment Services, Private Career Colleges, Literacy and Basic Skills, and Healthcare employers.
Eligible candidates can train to become a Personal Support Worker for free, have the opportunity to work in a Healthcare facility while learning, and have a job ready for them at the end of the training.
Program Eligibility:
- Unemployed, underemployed or working less than 20 hours per week OR;
- Employed with a family household falls below the Low Income Cut Off chart
- Over the age of 18
- Not currently enrolled in any other education or training
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
You may be suitable for the program if you are…
- Interested in a career as a Personal Support Worker
- Available to commit to up to 26 weeks of full time training
Education
Once accepted into the program, participants will start their full-time training to become a Personal Support Worker. This training is up to 26 weeks in length, starting 1 week of Soft Skills Solutions©, being facilitated by the Rideau-Ottawa Valley Learning Network. Participants will then go on to complete their PSW training with either triOS College or Willis College.
The in-class portion of the training will be delivered virtually whereas the lab component will be facilitated either in a classroom setting or on-site at a healthcare facility. Participants will also complete a practicum in a healthcare facility
Earn As You Learn
Throughout the training, you will have the opportunity to work part-time with a healthcare employer as either a Residential Care Attendant or a Home Support Worker*. This will allow you to earn an income while in school, and become familiar with the healthcare industry.
*Part-time positions as an RCA or HSW are dependent on positions available at the time, and participants’ availability for work
Post-education
After graduation, participants will have the opportunity to work at 1 of 4 healthcare employers as a certified Personal Support Worker. PQES Employment Counsellors will be available for up to 1 year after graduation to help you integrate into the workforce and help you overcome any bumps along the road.
