St. Lawrence College and Southbridge Care Homes are proud to announce the launch of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) program onsite at Southbridge Cornwall in Cornwall, ON. This program uses a living classroom model, providing students with an immersive and hands-on learning experience directly within the long-term care facility. The living classroom model was successfully launched last spring in a partnership between SLC and Maple View Lodge in Athens, Ontario.
Through this program, students become an integral part of the care team from day one, gaining invaluable experience as they learn and contribute to the daily operations of the home. In addition to the practical, onsite training, students will also participate in online courses alongside the main campus PSW cohort, ensuring they stay up to date with current technology and best practices.
The program includes:
- Paid placement opportunities (subject to available funding).
- Free textbooks and supplies, removing financial barriers to essential learning tools.
- Guaranteed employment for 12 months upon successful completion of the program, contingent on employment performance metrics.
- Eligibility to apply for up to $15,400 in PSW incentives through Ontario Health. Click here for details.
This innovative partnership addresses the growing demand for skilled PSWs in long-term care settings while fostering an enriching and supportive educational environment.
"We are excited to collaborate with St. Lawrence College on this innovative living classroom program," said Ivana McIntosh, Director of Human Resources at Southbridge Care Homes. "This partnership not only equips students with essential hands-on experience but also strengthens our commitment to developing a skilled and compassionate workforce for the long-term care sector."
"We are thrilled to partner with Southbridge Care Homes to bring this unique learning opportunity to Cornwall," said Maher Ghalayini, Senior Vice President, Academic at SLC. "This program is a testament to our commitment to providing education that meets the needs of our students while addressing critical workforce demands."
Students interested in joining this program can find more details on the program webpage. Applications are open for the January 2025 intake through ontariocolleges.ca
