All posts tagged: challenge fund

GOVT FUNDED PSW PROGRAM

June 16, 2022 Meenakshi Vyas 6 comments

What is the PSW Challenge fund?

This Program ended in December,2022. As PSW Challenge Fund student, you were 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. However not through the challenge fund.

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

5 months in class and 2 months of 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?

No, The PSW challenge fund ended in December-2022.

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. Please contact our financial aid office at 365-788-4080.

Am I eligible for the Challenge fund program?

No, as the challenge fund ended in December 2022.

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

No, but you can contact our financial aid office for current Government funding.

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 our 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, group homes and multi-specialty 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

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

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

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