MANITOULIN—Contact North is working with the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home in Gore Bay on a new online learning initiative to bring more potential personal support workers (PSW) to the Lodge; and the initiative has seen a good response.
“It’s not to the point where services are not being provided, but we do need to increase our PSW complement,” stated Sue Farren, administrator of the Manitoulin Lodge. “We need to prepare with the support of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care we will be able to provide more hours of care for our residents, so we need more staff. This new program is proactive,” she said noting Contact North had approached the Lodge in regards to their initiative to help bring more PSWs to the area.
Gail Cook, online learning recruitment officer with Contact North based out of M’Chigeeng, told the Recorder, “we are working with the Manitoulin Lodge on an exciting new initiative. Susan Farren, the administrator of the Lodge has expressed a great need for PSWs. As Ontario’s distance education and training network, Contact North is working together with Susan and the Lodge to help fill this void with a full on recruitment to help individuals in the mid to West End and across the Island get trained and obtain their PSW certification. The Lodge will provide and support the placement periods which has a high potential of leading to immediate employment upon graduation from their program.”
“There are several PSW study options available fully online offered by Ontario colleges (that are) able to suit any schedule both full and part-time,” said Ms. Cook. “Contact North is available to help individuals find the right program best suited for them and assist with registration processes, funding options and provide continuous supports throughout to achieve success.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for anyone in Gore Bay and the surrounding areas that have ever considered entering or moving up in the health field,” said Ms. Cook. “We have even been getting inquiries from as far as Wiikwemkoong considering this opportunity. Far too often people are completing their post-secondary programs and face challenges and difficulties in finding employment. This prospect of immediate employment coupled with the many educational funding resources available that includes living allowances, makes this an ideal opportunity for many as a positive and rewarding life and career transition.
Ms. Cook said that Manitoulin Lodge is basically investing in their future employee’s education, “and so far there has been an amazing response. Those who decide to take the program have almost a guaranteed job when the problem is complete. There are all kind of funding options if someone wants to change or take up a career as a personal support worker.”
A Contact North brochure notes those interested can, “become a personal support worker Online learning with personalized support in your community. Interested in becoming a PSW? The Manitoulin Lodge in Gore Bay is investing in their future employee’s education. Obtain your PSW certificate or diploma online, in your community! This fantastic opportunity could be for you.”
“Personal Service Workers programs are offered full time or part-time, online live through web conferencing or online anytime available 24/7, starting January 2018. Note that the online program offered by the Native Education and Training College starts every Monday. As well the program is run through Sault College, Confederation College, the Anishinabek Educational Institute, or the Native Education and Training College of Business, Healthcare, Human Service and Technology.”
“The program course provides great opportunities in education and support for the community,” said Ms. Farren. “It is a win-win for everyone and we are very excited about working with Contact North on this initiative.”
