The Ontario government has just announced that it will invest a whopping $86 million to train up to 8,000 personal support workers (PSWs). 

Demand is so high for PSWs in Ontario, the government is offering a special bursary to help students pay for tuition and cover costs during their internship. 

They’re calling it the Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund. It will provide money for tuition, textbooks and supplies, plus a stipend to support students while they’re on work placements. 

Considered becoming a personal support worker but didn’t think you could afford tuition? Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to get your PSW program paid for by the government. 

Find out how to qualify for funding, important deadlines, and other key facts about the Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund. 

Photo: Shannon McGrath in her personal support worker uniform

After working at Tim Hortons for 18 years, Shannon McGrath was ready for a change.

She wanted a job with more meaning. She wanted a career that felt challenging, where she could actually make people's lives better.

So, despite deep fears about returning to school, Shannon took a leap of faith and enrolled in the Personal Support Worker program at Herzing College Ottawa.

She struggled with a learning disability and battled with anxiety, but in the end, Shannon made it through.

In fact, she was so successful, she was offered a PSW job after her internship at Cité Parkway Retirement Residence, where she still works today.

We interviewed Shannon to get her review of the PSW program. We asked about her experience in class and how she feels about her new career.

Read on for the full story.

Personal Support Worker students pose for a class photo at Herzing College Ottawa

Summary: Use this helpful checklist to compare Personal Support Worker courses near you. Find a high quality program that fully prepares you for a successful career.

It’s an excellent time to become a personal support worker (PSW) in Ontario. Demand is high for PSWs all across the province—and is expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future. 

Personal support workers are needed at hospitals, nursing homes, and private home-care companies throughout Ontario.

They play an absolutely crucial role in caring for people who need help with everyday living—including those with cognitive impairment, physical disabilities, and mental health challenges. 

Considering becoming a personal support worker? You're on track to start a rewarding career with plenty of employment opportunities.

Your first step is to find a good Personal Support Worker course that will fully prepare you for life on-the-job. What should you look for when comparing training programs?

Photo: Krizia Mae Macusi at Hillel Lodge where she was hired as a Personal Support Worker after graduating from Herzing last May.

Residents of Hillel Lodge, the only charitable, Jewish, faith-based long-term care facility in Eastern Ontario

As most people know, the COVID-19 crisis has been particularly stressful and dangerous for elderly citizens in long-term care facilities. 

Older people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.  

Meanwhile, social distancing rules have also taken a toll, isolating seniors from family and friends, and restricting their participation in community activities. 

Never have we relied so heavily on the dedication, skill, and compassion of long-term health care professionals to keep our loved ones safe and well. Nurses, care home staff, and personal support workers are on the front-lines of this struggle.