From Meenakshi's Desk

GOVT FUNDED FREE PSW PROGRAM

June 16, 2022 Meenakshi Vyas 6 comments

What is the PSW Challenge fund?

As PSW Challenge Fund, you may be eligible to receive Government funding up to $13,235 to become a professional Personal Support Worker (PSW.)

How do I choose a good college to do the PSW program?

Ensure that the school is recognized by NACC, and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
Ensure the college is able to get you paid placements in government recognized Hospitals, retirement homes, long term care facilities, community care facilities. Ask them to show you contracts with these facilities.
Ensure that you get flexible classes to fit your schedules.
Ensure that the college has a dedicated financial aid officer who will answer all your funding questions before, during and after the course.
Ensure there is a facilitator who will be available after hours
Ask the college what are the special steps they take for the FINAL EXAM PREP (very very important!)
Ask the college, that if you fail the NACC final exam in the first attempt, what the repercussions are
Ask the college what the costs for the second or third attempt are.
Ask the college, if you have an emergency and if you are not able to complete the course what the repercussions are.
Ensure that the college gives you free books and scrubs

Is the Government still paying for PSW in Ontario?

Yes, the government has recently announced that they will be covering full tuition costs on behalf of students and will also offer paid placements- through the PSW challenge fund program.

How long does it take to become a PSW in Ontario?

5 months in class and 2 months of PAID placement!!

The National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) certified Personal Support Worker program at Academy of Learning is 7 months long including placement.

Is the PSW course still free in Ontario?

Yes, starting from June 2022-September 2022 the PSW Program will be funded by the Challenge fund with 100% tuition funding in Ontario.

Does OSAP cover PSW?

Yes. You will be eligible for grants if you apply for the PSW Program in Ontario.

How do I get a PSW grant in Ontario?

You can apply for the challenge fund program for 100% tuition grant and paid placements. You can ask for the financial aid officer at the college to help you navigate the challenge fund program.

Am I eligible for the Challenge fund program?

If you’ve been an Ontario resident for the past 12 months and have PR, Canadian Citizen or Protected person status you will be eligible for a FREE PSW Program at Academy of Learning Brampton West.

My income is very low but my spouse makes a very high income. Can I qualify for the Challenge fund?

Yes you can still apply for the challenge fund.

I am a refugee, can I do the PSW program?

Yes you can. There are many different types of Refugee claimants. Some do qualify for 100% tuition grants. The financial aid officer of your college should be able to help you find out if you qualify.

What traits should I have as a PSW?

Adaptable, understanding, friendly, motivated, compassionate, trustworthy, honest, great communication skills, professionally trained.

Where can I get a job after becoming a PSW?

You can work at a retirement home, long-term care, hospitals and multi-speciality homes.

How much do PSW make in Ontario?

The average PSW salary in Canada is $37,908 per year or $19.44 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $34,125 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $47,500 per year.

I am not very comfortable with the computer, can I still become a PSW?

Yes you certainly can! Ensure that your college does an assessment for you to ascertain if you can get extra language classes.

I am a nurse from my home country. Will I get some course benefits to become a PSW?

YES. There is a possibility that some courses will be waived for you. You can earn credits for prior learning.

I prefer learning in person. I don’t like online learning. Can I still do the PSW course?

Yes. Ask your college for in person classes.

I have no daycare so I prefer only online classes. Can I still do the PSW course?

Yes. Ask your college for an online option.

I work full time and I cannot quit my job. Can I do the PSW course?

Yes, the college should offer you flexible timings.

Can I get a 100% tuition grant if I am working full time?

Yes. You can surely qualify for the challenge fund.

Can I apply for Second Career to do the PSW course?

Yes you can.

What is the NOC Code for PSW?

Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations (NOC 4412)

Please call our expert admissions Counselors at Academy of Learning Brampton West to get further details on the questions above.
Campus Phone: 365-788-4080
After hours cell phone:647-680-2379
email: min@aolcbrampton.com
Website: www.aolcbrampton.com

Upgrade your skills!

February 25, 2022 Meenakshi Vyas 1 comment

It is estimated that 50% of all employees will need to upgrade their skills by 2025 in order to adopt technology increase globally.^[1]Learning new skills is the best way to be more successful and up-to-date in your career. Whether you are looking for a new career opportunity or would like to move into a more senior role, upgrading your skills can increase your chances of reaching your career goals.^[2]

Following are five things that will give you just the nudge you need:

Earn yourself that promotion

If you’re aiming to get yourself a promotion and that title, your next step is to understand the requirements of the role and enroll for further studies. Many employers are more than happy to support (financially or otherwise) some employee’s tertiary aspirations, especially if continuing your studies are aligned with their business goals and can help push you to the next level of your career.^[3]

Command a Higher salary

In the competitive job market today, your skills and experience are equally valued. You must gain certain years of experience to deserve a high salary. But believe it or not majority of companies still use your qualifications as a benchmark to decide the pay you deserve. That isn’t changing anytime soon.^[3]

Expose yourself to new career options

Upgrading your skills will open the door to new career opportunities that you may not have been able to consider before. For example, if you upgraded your Microsoft Excel skills, you may be able to apply for jobs that require you to analyze data, create spreadsheets, or even produce reports. As you gain new skill sets, you can consider job opportunities and roles that you once passed on.^[2]

Prepare for changes

In the present scenario where the world is battling with pandemic, we have seen uncertainty of jobs. As predicted, these might hit the world again. In difficult times like these, upgraded knowledge is the only weapon that will help you keep your job secure. There is no secret that employers prefer skilled job seekers over unqualified.^[4]

Be valuable

Make sure you remain relevant to your industry based on today’s demand. World is changing rapidly and the only way to stay up-to-date is by upgrading your knowledge. Adopt skills that are valuable to your company and industry.

Resources:

Ontario Expands Opportunities for PSWs in Long-Term Care!

February 9, 2022 Meenakshi Vyas 1 comment

Hats off to the Ontario government for investing over $1.3 billion to increase wages for personal support worker, to provide a high level of care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, The Ontario government is investing up to $100 million to add an additional 2,000 nurses to the long-term care sector by 2024-25. The government will do this by supporting the training of thousands of personal support worker and nurses who want to advance their careers in long-term care. As the program co coordinator of the Medical programs at the Academy of Learning Brampton, I have personally forged alliances with several local Long term care facilities and Retirement communities and assisted living centers.

Why should you do the program now?

Growing career opportunity: COVID-19 has increased the need for health care assistants in long-term care and assisted living services. Approximately 34,400 personal support worker positions will be open nationwide before 2026.
Government funding: Normally, to become a health care assistant, you must complete six to eight months of post-secondary education at your own expense before you can apply for a position. Now, with up to 100% government funding, the government pays for your diploma.
Qualified education: New hires in the program start in a health care support worker position and receive paid training that leads to full qualification as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).
High paying: On an average, a Personal Support Worker receives $19-$28 an hour and is considered as one of the “highest paying jobs” in Ontario.
Employment benefits: Employers offer reliable employment with competitive salaries and benefits. Benefits may include a pension plan and medical, dental and extended health care coverage.
Emotionally Rewarding: Passionate and caring health care workers make a difference in their communities every day. Creating an environment that fosters and values diverse skills and lived experiences is a goal of the sector.
And much more…

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to have your Personal Support Worker training fully covered by the Ontario government. The staff and management at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West are excited to be a part of this great initiative. We would love to help you to start your PSW journey. We have frequent new batches start dates.

For more information on how you can earn a Personal Support Worker Diploma free of cost you can:

Call: 365-788-4080
E-mail: min@aolcbrampton.com
Visit: Academy of Learning Brampton West and click on “Request Info” Hurry and reserve your seat for March 2022!

The Benefits Of Being A Personal Support Worker

July 9, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas 2 comments

Growing Profession

As a Personal Support Worker, you can expect a growing profession that comes with many career opportunities and a change of environment. PSW training prepares you to become the best version of yourself. PSW’s are the largest group of healthcare employees in long-term care facilities and the demand for PSW’s allows you to have a job for life. The PSW profession never dies down, as a matter of fact, it grows.

Rewarding Wages

Secondly, as a PSW you get a high starting wage, and PSW’s are recognized as integral members of the healthcare system. The pandemic has led to increased current wages and is a reflection of the hard work you do in society. Furthermore, the government plans to enhance the wages of future PSW’s and going forward stable working hours plus better hourly wages are plans that will be materialized soon.

Different Working Environment

Thirdly, the diverse environments and flexibility in workplaces allow you to gain experience through different facilities. For instance, as a PSW you can work in a private long-term care facility, community facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes, and even open to travel. As a PSW working in a hospital allows you to work in different patient care areas and different units like the intensive care unit or critical care unit. The hospital is trying to utilize more PSWS which leaves you with various working environments.

Become A Helping Hand

The most rewarding part of being a PSW is the dedication and compassion you possess in helping people, helping elders, and working with people that appreciate your hard work. This puts you in a workplace that is friendly, and home-like. PSW training prepares you to work in both private care and community care settings. Dealing with one or multiple patients in a day is something that the curriculum makes you an expert on. PSW training is advanced, and it is designed to prepare you for unpredictable circumstances which result in a fulfilling career.

Limited Time Opportunity

The next three weeks are going to be very important if you want to become a PSW. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will soon come to an end, complete the PSW course for free when you start within the next 3 weeks. The challenge fund is a government award or bursary that you are not required to repay. It’s not a loan; it’s a grant. To be eligible for the challenge fund, students must begin their PSW training at a participating career college between May 1 and July 31, 2021. You can learn more about this announcement https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-announces-tuition-free-personal-support-worker-training-program-1.5321974

The Academy Of Learning Brampton West’s staff and management are thrilled to be a part of this remarkable effort. We’d love to talk with you and answer any questions you might have about enrolling and getting started as a PSW. We have new start dates on a regular basis, especially in the next three weeks.

Call us at 365-788-4080 E-mail: min@aolcbrampton.com or visit us at https://aolcbrampton.com/our-courses/personal-support-worker and click on Request Info to be contacted. RESERVE YOUR SEAT BEFORE JULY 31ST, 2021

Don’t Skip That Home Inspection – Home Inspectors To The Rescue

July 4, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas 6 comments

Overview

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new home and overlook the need for conducting a home inspection prior to signing a contract. Home inspections by qualified home inspectors are an important aspect of the home-buying process that can help you save time, money and save you from immense pain in the long run.

To some, a home inspection may appear to be a waste of money. However, simply going around the outside of the house and doing a visual check will not indicate any potential issues. Regardless of the home’s age, there may be hidden costs that the common buyer may be unaware of.

For example, problems with wiring, plumbing, or structural issues, may not be visible during a showing. Consulting with an expert is a much better bet.

Save money

Does a home inspection really save you money in the long run? Just ask the Ontario family that was stunned when their dream home turned into a nightmare for them. A family living in Brampton found their dream home in neighboring Halton Hills.

The seller made an agreement that the family could buy it if they waived a home inspection. The buyer Mrs. Song says, “They asked me to waive the home inspection, and I hesitated a little, but she said if I want the home, I had to waive it, so I waived it,” Song said (Foran, 2021). This should have sent alarm bells ringing but sadly it did not.

Repair costs

Songs family later found that there was no water well; they had to spend $10,000 to install new storage tanks and other equipment in their basement. She went on to say that the septic system was also in terrible condition, and that replacing it would be incredibly expensive due to new environmental regulations.

“It’s going to cost me another $120,000 to replace the septic,” Song said. Her family will need to get a separate mortgage for the cost of the repairs in the home. Skipping a home inspection was one of the worst financial decisions that resulted a horrible home buying experience. 

Don’t judge a home by its looks

Therefore, the most crucial reason to get a house inspection before buying a property is to make sure it is exactly what you are getting to pay for. Do the same amount of research about your future home as you would any other important purchase. The more information you know, the less surprises you will face in the future.

Home Inspectors to the rescue

Buyers need a qualified and well-trained home inspector to provide them a reliable report on the home that will prevent their dream purchase from becoming a nightmare. This is why home inspectors are playing a crucial role in the current housing market and will continue to do so. It is a lucrative and satisfying career. Are you the type that likes to fix things around the house or get joy after climbing into the attic and finding the root cause of appliance problems or like to fix that annoying plumbing issue? You can turn that trait into a respectable, well-paid career through earning our CAHPI and ministry approved diploma program

Call us at 365-788-4080 E-mail:min@aolcbrampton.com or visit us at https://aolcbrampton.com/our-courses/home-inspection-diploma/ and click on Request Info to be contacted. 

Contact us to reserve your seat for July 2021 

Get a FREE PSW Diploma through the challenge fund!

June 25, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas No comments

The Challenge fund

The Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund is an Ontario government initiative. It provides a bursary ( not a loan!) to help students earn a ministry-approved diploma for a PSW career. The program also assures work placement in the long-term care industry and provides experience in a long-term care context. Only OSAP-eligible students are eligible for the Personal support worker Challenge fund. You do not have to pay back the grant/bursary you receive from the challenge fund. It’s a grant, not a loan. Students must begin their PSW training at a participating career college between May 1 and July 31, 2021, to be eligible for financial assistance. You can learn more about this announcement https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2021/04/28/ontario-funds-training-for-another-8k-personal-support-workers.html

Please note: The PSW Challenge Fund is not available to international students.

Receiving Free training

The Ontario government recently announced a substantial $86 million investment to train up to 8,000 personal support workers (PSWs). Given the current pandemic situation as well as our aging population, the Ontario government needs healthcare workers and PSWs. To encourage motivated students to pursue this rewarding and socially important career, the government is providing a subsidy to assist students and cover their tuition and internship fees that are associated with the PSW program.

The Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund will cover tuition, textbooks, and supplies, and students’ internship costs during their work placements. This includes paid placements. In return for free tuition, students will be required to complete several hours of job shadowing during their study period to gain experience for their placements. It’s a win-win!!

Qualifications of a PSW

Have you been considering a PSW career but were deterred by the costs? Well, now is your chance. Wondering what it takes to be a PSW, here are some key traits and expectations:

Patience is one of PSW’s greatest assets. Throughout the day, you’ll need to draw on your patience skills to cope with individuals who aren’t always cognitively aware. A job of a PSW consists of effective communication, and It might be as simple as having a conversation.

What does it mean to be a Personal support worker? Some duties consist of helping clients with:

Travelling & mobility, basic hygiene, and sanitation
Reminders to take medications and suggested exercises
social engagements
nutrition and food preparation

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to have your PSW training fully covered by the Ontario government. The staff and management at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West are excited to be a part of this great initiative. We would love to chat with you and answer any questions you may have to help you enroll and get started on your PSW journey. We have frequent new batches start dates.

For more information on how you can earn a PSW diploma free of cost you can :

Call us at 365-788-4080 E-mail:min@aolcbrampton.com or visit us at https://aolcbrampton.com/our-courses/personal-support-worker and click on Request Info to be contacted. Contact us to reserve your seat for July 2021

Why is a home inspection with a qualified home inspector so important?

June 18, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas 1 comment

Overview

With the recent spate in home sales, home inspection from a qualified home inspector has become all the more significant. A Home Inspector serves many key purposes that are important in the finalization of a home sale First, it offers you an opportunity to assess the state of the house, its structure, interior, exterior, and the state of its mechanical systems. Secondly, it alerts the seller about any issues the house may have before the closing date is finalized. If you sign a contract before an inspection, make sure you include a provision stating that the sale is subject to a satisfactory structural examination, as well as a date for the inspection. You’ll thank yourself later

Enforcing Home inspection

The government realizes the importance of home inspection in the present time, and soon enough they will enforce home inspections as part of selling and buying homes. What is needed for such enforcement is a good supply of qualified home inspectors who can identify potential issues and provide good advice to their clients. The Home Inspection course at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West Campus is a Ministry-approved curriculum that adheres to the professional requirements of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Check out the course content to learn more about the curriculum https://aolcbrampton.com/our-courses/home-inspection-training/

Areas of focus

A thorough inspection includes a visual examination of the structure from top to bottom, including the heating and air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, basement, and visible structure to prevent future problems.

Following the inspection, the home inspector will provide a report that identifies not only all potential flaws or areas of worry, but also the positive elements of the house as well as the kind of care that will be required to keep the house in excellent working order.

A Realtors Recommendation

Home inspectors often work with realtors and can help you figure out the next steps to helping you with big purchases and financial decisions revolving around the property. Home inspectors also work with property managers, contractors, structural engineers, builders, and other businesses that will aid you in finding and improving your future home. To learn more about what realtors recommend visit: https://www.niagararealtor.ca/importance-home-inspection-buying

Their advice is based on professional judgments and experience, which is why it is important to have a correctly done home inspection by a qualified professional. Realtors themselves advise and encourage all sellers and/or buyers to have an home inspection done, this way consumers will get the best experience as a homeowner

Contact us for more information to enroll in our Home Inspections program today and obtain a Ministry Approved Home Inspector Diploma

Phone : 365-788-4080

Email : min@aolcbrampton.com

Considering Skipping A Home Inspection? Think Twice

June 11, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas No comments

Overview

Home inspectors are experts that examine and uncover any potential flaws or risks in a home. Home inspections are essential for determining the health of a house that you or someone else wants to call home. Why should you think twice about skipping a home inspection? If a large health and safety item is detected, sellers are more likely to negotiate. This is because if you decide to back out of the offer, they are now legally obligated to disclose to the next buyer about the faults in the house.

Benefits of Home inspection

As a buyer, you benefit from a home inspection because you can settle on the price of the house and have an upside. You can find out about any illegal installments, dwellings, and hazardous additions to the property. As a seller, you benefit from a home inspection because if you fix the damages prior to listing that you may even be able to fetch an over-asking price for the home.

As a buyer, isn’t it absurd if you spend only 15 minutes viewing a house that you want to call home and is arguably the most important purchase of your life? The visual inspection you do will certainly help you to see any possible furniture arrangements, and plan any imminent remodeling needs. However, the purpose of the home inspection extends well beyond a cosmetic inspection. It enables you to assess the interior and exterior health of a home. You can use the results to validate your decision and ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality home.

Protect yourself in the property market

Home purchasers may bear the brunt of home defects, especially if they are provided incorrect information during the pre-listing process. Some home buyers and sellers finalize the deal without a home inspection which can leave them with a lot of unfixed damages. With a timely and thorough home inspection, you can save yourself thousands in maintenance and repair costs in the future. In a heated property market, home inspections become even more important.

Qualified Home Inspectors

It is crucial that a home inspector be well trained and qualified to provide good advice to their clients. The Home Inspection course at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West Campus is a Ministry-approved curriculum that prepares you to become a well-rounded home inspector. It adheres to the professional requirements of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). For more information about the curriculum material, please visit our website; https://aolcbrampton.com/our-courses/home-inspection-training/

Contact us for more information to enroll in our Home Inspections program today and obtain a Ministry Approved Home Inspector Diploma

Phone : 365-788-4080

Email : min@aolcbrampton.com

Why You Don’t Want To Miss Out On a Home Inspection in the Hot Housing Market?

June 4, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas 3 comments

The Diploma Program

The Home Inspection course offered at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West Campus is a Ministry-approved program that is aligned with the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors’ professional standards (ASHI). You can check out our website for more information about the curriculum training at https://aolcbrampton.com/our-courses/

Hot Housing Market

As we know, the Ontario housing market is red hot. Home inspections become even more significant in a hot housing market. Why are home inspections so important in the hot housing market? Some homebuyers make purchases without home inspections. This can put them in trouble because they may be paying for a home with major defects. Homebuyers have no protection against such defects, especially if they are given wrongful information during pre-listing.

While the current market is pressuring some people into making poor decisions, the savvy home buyer understands that in reality, a home inspection may result in you saving yourself thousands of dollars in repair costs for the future. Home inspectors make certain that you are informed of all the defects in the interior and exterior of a home. This prevents consumers from being deceived and paying more. The housing market is very hot and anxious buyers and sellers are moving so quickly they are forgetting the importance of a home inspection. You can read more about what experienced home inspectors have to say at http://www.cbc.ca

Importance of Home Inspection

Now it is more important than ever to get a home inspection because it can be used as a contingency in your contract with the seller or buyer, this can result in renegotiation based on the inspector’s findings that can benefit both parties. As a homeowner, buyer, or seller you should get a home inspection. As a Home inspector, it is part of your job to keep consumers aware of the importance of a good home structure. Home inspectors will always be in demand and now more than ever because it is an outstanding time for you to get your career started.

Contact us for more information to enroll in our Home Inspections program today and obtain a Ministry Approved Home Inspector Diploma

Phone : 365-788-4080 Email : min@aolcbrampton.com

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER

May 28, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas No comments

Overview

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) assists with tasks of daily living, working in long-term care facilities such as home care, retirement homes, group homes, hospitals, and other social institutions. The assistance you provide as a PSW can vary widely depending on the needs of your client. Being prepared for unexpected circumstances is a part of your daily routine.

The routine of the PSW can consist of living care, hospitality, family care and assistance with social or recreational activities; this can vary based on the necessities of each client. A PSW dedicates the majority of their time and effort towards the care of others. Effective time management skills are therefore crucial, when preparing for the day. As a personal support worker, you grow accustomed to early mornings and shifting schedules.

Early Mornings

A typical morning begins at 7 AM for a PSW. You will likely start by changing bed sheets and hospitality-related activities. Next, you may find yourself helping a resident in the washroom and assisting with simple tasks like brushing teeth and/or dentures. This helps them get used to the routine. A PSW would help a resident with getting dressed and other personal hygiene-related tasks for the day. While these are important activities for the PSW during the day that help with the client’s comfort and hygiene, your job extends well beyond that. You are the person many residents look forward to seeing every day. With daily interactions, they will begin to rely on you and trust you for their needs. Needless to say, this can be a very rewarding experience for you.

Activities

Once the day has begun, residents are served their breakfast and meals. Specific meals are made based on preferences and dietary restrictions. Some of your clients may have difficulty eating or require more attention than others. Towards the end of the day, it is the responsibility of a PSW to note down any changes in the resident’s medical condition before leaving. This important step helps to keep their medical profile updated with important information.

One of the key strengths of a PSW is – patience. You will frequently tap into your reservoir of patience during the day as you deal with people who may not be cognitively aware. This makes constant, and effective communication crucial. No doubt your days will be packed with activities but you will still need to build that build a bond with residents. It can be through simple actions such as having a small conversations with them or playing board games.

Perspective of a retired PSW

Let’s look at this through the perspective of a retired PSW, Cindy Balazs retired after 41 years of service at a long-term care home. She believes that a day in the life of a PSW “requires lots of patience and compassion,” (Thompson, 2021). Like any other job in the medical field, this is one of the most important jobs in our society today. A lot of PSW’s tell us that they love their job. Balazs is no different. She said she really loved her job and “enjoyed working with the elderly.” (Thompson, 2021) even in these trying times of COVID. She believes that this is because her client needs her support, the human connection formed through compassion and kindness is the most rewarding aspect of being a PSW. When you become a PSW you are on the pathway for a long-term and rewarding career, your hard work pays off when you love what you do. To read more about Balazs experience: https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/you-get-attached-says-psw-retiring-after-41-years-at-john-noble-home

Ontario Government has just announced $86 Million in PSW Education funding. This is being done to meet the critical need for PSW’s in our community today, especially with the ongoing crisis. This can help you fund your PSW education and even earn a Ministry approved PSW diploma free of cost. To learn more about this limited time opportunity please read our previous blog: https://aolcbrampton.com/2021/05/07/psw-funding/

For more information on how you can earn a PSW diploma call us at 365-788-4080 or e-mail:min@aolcbrampton.com

How does a Private Career College help you?

May 21, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas No comments

Opportunities

A Private career college caters to everyone including the underserved and those that may have been left behind in our communities. At Private career colleges we offer diplomas that are completed at a shorter duration than degrees and prepare students with hands-on skills that prepare them to hit the ground running. This includes placements, internships, coop and help in exploring different job opportunities shortly after the completion of your diploma. A prime example of a high demand program that is preparing our students in a short duration for a well-paying and meaningful career is the Personal Support worker program. It not only gives you the requisite skills and knowledge in only 5 months but also provides guaranteed placements, and a higher chance of employment upon completion. More information about the Personal Support Worker program can be found in our blog PSW Funding Blog.

Our Students

An interesting fact about Private Career Colleges (PCC) is that our student population includes a significantly higher proportion of learners (52%) who were born outside of Canada. This demographic comprises of immigrants, protected refugees, displaced migrants, and international students. Please see : https://careercollegesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Student-Demographic-Report.pdf

When you choose to study in a private career college, like Academy of Learning Brampton West, you can reap the added benefit of getting a step closer to gaining your PR and citizenship, all while gaining a ministry approved diploma program in a short period of time. A large population in Canada comprises of visible minorities. Three in ten (30%) of PCC students self-identify as a visible minority, with four percent self-identifying as indigenous people. Private career colleges are therefore prime examples and supporters of diversity. They are a great platform for immigrants and visible minorities who may lack resources to avail of opportunities that this great country offers. It serves as an avenue for them to adapt and offers learning styles without overwhelming them.

Steps to success

When you enroll at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West, your aspirations are our goals, and we will guide you through the steps necessary to reach your destination. In private career colleges, nearly two in five students (38%) indicate their first language is neither English nor French, however they achieve high rates of success tremendously with the help of career colleges. Private career colleges accommodate students that do not speak English and French as their first language, and still provide them with the absolute best education.

Private career colleges illustrate that it is never too late to get an education and start a career in something you love. Students in career colleges belong to a range of age groups. Most of the adult students learn basic innovative computer and language skills in the first few weeks of their program. This enables students to feel welcomed and gives them the confidence to flourish in the program. Private career colleges work at the pace of the students and give the students more time, less stress when completing a program. Talk to us today to take the next step towards your rewarding career. E-mail: min@aolcbrampton.com or call 365-788-4080

Why Choose a Private Career College?

May 15, 2021 Meenakshi Vyas No comments

What is a Private Career College?

Private Career Colleges (PCC’s) are ministry approved institutions that provide certificate and diploma programs in a variety of fields such as Finance, HealthCare, Social Services, Technology, Business Administration, Accounting, Home Inspections and many more. PCC’s fulfil an important need for vocational education. There can be several motivations for choosing Private Career Colleges over universities and public colleges. While University and College programs are tailored towards providing education that helps explore a field of study in depth, PCC’s are focused on vocational education. This means a PCC program is geared towards students who want to get education that quickly leads to a well-paying job.

Program Duration

This is not to say University and College programs do not lead to well-paying and fulfilling jobs; the key word is how “quickly” does the education or training help you get there. To this end, PCC programs are ministry approved programs that tend to be shorter in duration with a focus on key subject areas that prepare the student for job ready skills or upskill them for their desired job. While a University or College can provide a great overall educational experience owing to its large student body and environment, the length of the program may not be well suited for everyone. If you are looking to become financially productive quickly or need to upgrade to a job that pays more than your current one a PCC program can help you get there much faster.

Cost

Another consideration is the cost of the education. Let’s face it, University or College education does not come cheap. You may have to take on sizable loans to be paid back over the years. In contrast, PCC programs tend to be lower in cost due to their focused approach. Additionally, students can still take advantage of any applicable grants and funding to finance their education. If you want a focused education at a price that does not burn a hole in your pocket, PCC’s may be a good choice. The PSW ( Personal Support Worker ) Program is a great example of such a program that is offered at the Academy of Learning Brampton West. Reliable training, Low Cost, Short Duration ( 6 months ) and high success rate are the hallmarks of the program.

Flexibility

A substantial number of PCC students tend to be people who have financial responsibility for a family, such as young single parents. They may already be working a job to financially support their families. Owing to this they may not be able to attend a University or College that requires time commitments that conflict with their job timings. Since PCC’s cater to this demographic, flexibility is a cornerstone of their programs. They tend to be accommodating of the schedules of students so that they don’t have to pick between being financially productive and pursuing that dream job. We often come across students who are fired up to pursue a career in a field of their choice but do not have the pre-requisites such as a high school diploma. In such cases our staff at the Academy Of Learning Brampton West work closely with them to help them take tests that help them come up to speed on the required foundational knowledge that makes them eligible for the courses of their choice.

We are here to help

At the Academy of Learning we understand the significant challenges that life throws at you. We firmly believe that those challenges don’t have to be deterrents to achieving your dreams. We help students with their paperwork, high school credit equivalency and government funding options. Talk to us today! E-mail min@aolcbrampton.com or call us at 365-788-4080

ONTARIO ANNOUNCES $86 MILLION IN PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER EDUCATION FUNDING

May 7, 2021 Bhoomi Shah No comments

Program Overview

The personal support worker program provides an opportunity for students to develop basic nursing and social service skills necessary for long term employment in homes, facilities, congregate housing settings, and various programs in social institutions. The pandemic has exhausted the province’s healthcare resources, the need for personal support workers on the front line today is paramount.

Personal support workers are an urgent need today. Ontario government will provide $86 million in grants and tuition to train 8,000 Personal support workers (PSW). Upon enrollment, students can get up to $13, 235 in grants, tuition fees, and internships. This is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity and take a step towards a better financial future. The government is also investing $239 million to increase temporary wage enhancements for Personal support workers which allows them to be equipped with the best experience. This results in paid placements, and exemption of other mandatory fees. See announcement here: https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2021/04/28/ontario-funds-training-for-another-8k-personal-support-workers.html

Personal Support Workers are very valuable in the circumstances of our society today, students are encouraged to pursue the Personal support worker program while they have the chance because the government is giving the course to you for free, at the Academy of Learning we want everyone to take full advantage of this opportunity because we aim for the wellbeing of our students. Personal support workers are crucial for the engagement in patient advocacy and delivering care to residents that are vulnerable, they play an important part in society and are considered the backbone of long term care facilities. Personal support workers care for our loved ones, they deserve to receive modernized knowledge .

Academy of learning

The Personal support worker program is being offered at the Academy of learning Brampton- West, where the staff strives to give an education that makes a pathway to a brighter future. The duration of this program is 28 weeks, successful completion of the certificate will allow one to explore different careers in the social healthcare working environment province wide. The Academy of Learning Brampton West offers paid clinical placements for Personal support workers upon completion of their diploma, along with a guaranteed place of employment. The staff here values their customers. Unlike other colleges, staff guides and takes care of the paperwork with government funding, enrollment and is always there to guide you through your academic journey for a refreshing experience. New programs and courses are continuously being developed by our campus, to ensure that students receive the best education and skills through their mentors.

The Personal support program is offered remotely for our students, we provide textbooks and all the necessary equipment to succeed in the programs. Many courses, like PSW at the Academy of Learning, are very flexible, to accommodate your schedule and needs. Our campus has experienced mentors that hold your hand and help you flourish in the program. For more information contact us or visit: https://aolcbrampton.com/our-services/personal-support-worker/

CONTACT US

ACADEMY OF LEARNING COLLEGE BRAMPTON- WEST

7700 Hurontario Street, Unit # 306, Brampton, ON Canada. Phone : 365-788-4080 Email : min@aolcbrampton.com

21 Questions every PSW wants to know!!

April 7, 2022 Meenakshi Vyas No comments

1. What does PSW stand for?

PSW is the acronym for Personal Support Worker.

2. What are the job duties of a PSW?

Personal support workers (PSWs) care for the elder and aging population. The PSWs act as aids for the added who are unable to do their everyday activities without help. The PSW ensures that the elderly person is taken care of. You make sure your clients are comfortable, safe and enjoy emotional and physical well-being. You may work for a long-term care facility or in your clients’ homes as an employee of a home care agency.

3. What should I do to become a PSW?

In order to become a PSW, you should enroll in a PSW course from a nationally recognized body such as NACC.

4. How do I choose a good college to do the PSW program?

Ensure that the school is recognized by NACC, and Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

5. I am not familiar with government funding options, the information on the internet is confusing me, and what can I do?

The government website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program is very helpful. Also a good college will help the student navigate through all the information and resources available for the student.

Ensure that the college has a dedicated financial aid officer who will answer all your funding questions before, during and after the course. Ensure there is a facilitator who will be available after hours

6. What traits should I have as a PSW? Why should I become a PSW?

The preliminary trait to be a successful PSW is that you should have a feeling to help people. Since majority of the PSWs work with an aging population, in retirement communities or Long term care facilities, being compassionate is one of the most important traits.

Check out the benefits of becoming a PSW.

7. How long does it take to become a PSW in Ontario?

The National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) certified Personal Support Worker program at Academy of Learning is 7 months long including placement. During June-September 2022 intake, students will be offered paid placement.

8. My English is very poor, is that fine?

Yes certainly! Ensure that your college does an assessment for you to ascertain if you can get extra language classes.

9. Can I apply for Second Career to do the PSW course?

Yes you can.

10. Should the college give you free books and scrubs?

Yes

11. I prefer learning in person. I don’t like online learning. Can I still do the PSW course?

Yes. Ask your college for in person classes.

12. I have no daycare so I prefer only online classes. Can I still do the PSW course?

Yes. Ask your college for online option.

13. I work full time and I cannot quit my job. Can I do the PSW course?

Yes the college should offer you flexible timings.

14. I am not very comfortable with the computer, can I still become a PSW?

Yes you certainly can! Ensure that your college does an assessment for you to ascertain if you can get extra computer classes.

15. Where can I get a job after becoming a PSW?

You can work at a retirement home, long-term care, hospitals and multi-specialty homes.

16. How much do PSW make in Ontario?

The average PSW salary in Canada is $37,908 per year or $19.44 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $34,125 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $47,500 per year.

17. Will the college prepare me for the FINAL exam?

Ask the college what are the special steps they take for the FINAL EXAM PREP (very very important!)

18. Will I get paid for placements during the training?

Yes. Ensure the college is able to get you paid placements in government recognized Hospitals, retirement homes, long term care facilities, community care facilities.

19. What happens if a student fails the NACC final exam in the first attempt?

Ask the college, what the costs for the second or third attempt are.

20. What happens if I am not able to complete the course and have to withdraw midway?

Ask the college, if you have an emergency and if you are not able to complete the course what the repercussions are.

21. What is the NOC Code for PSW?

Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations (NOC 4412)

Please call our expert admissions Counselors at Academy of Learning Brampton West to get further details on the questions above.
Campus Phone: 365-788-4080
After hours cell phone: 647-680-2379
email: min@aolcbrampton.com
Website: www.aolcbrampton.com