Manager of Continuing Education and Apprenticeship Barb Carrier says there aren’t enough qualified personal support workers in the area.
Carrier says the school became aware of the problem through its clinical placement connections.
Carrier does not have exact numbers on just how bad the shortage is – but says because of the demand seen in the community, Georgian College has decided to offer a second PSW program this year.
Carrier says typically there is only a fall intake, but this year there will also be a spring intake offered.
The program will run May to December.
When asked if this is a typical move, Carrier notes the college is good at listening to the community’s needs and acting to fulfill them when they have the teachers, facilities, and resources available to do so.
Applications for the additional PSW course can be made on the Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) website.
Carrier says 4 people have already applied and she is expecting to get a total of about 20 to 25 students enrolled in the spring PSW program.
Carrier advises applying by the first of March, so students can get accepted and pay their fees before the May start date.
