Fleming College is partnering with Scarborough Health Network to offer tuition-free training aimed at bringing more personal support workers into health care and expanding the skills of current nurses.
Training is scheduled to begin in winter 2027, supported by a $2.2-million investment from the Ontario government through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
Scarborough Health Network will lead the project, with Fleming College serving as the training partner through Fleming Continuing Education.
The initiative is expected to train 80 new personal support workers and provide specialized rural and remote health-care training to 30 Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses. All training is expected to be completed by June 30, 2027.
“This partnership brings together Scarborough Health Network’s health-care leadership and Fleming College’s expertise in applied, career-focused education,” said Fleming College interim president Dr. Theresa Knott.
“By removing financial barriers and providing learners with practical training and comprehensive supports, we are creating more accessible pathways into rewarding health-care careers while responding directly to workforce needs across Ontario.”
The accelerated PSW program will include 12 weeks of theory-based instruction followed by a paid, 300-hour work placement.
Current Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses will be able to take a rural and remote nursing micro-credential consisting of three asynchronous courses completed concurrently over 14 weeks.
Tuition will be free for eligible participants, while PSW students will receive paid placements. Stipends and other supports will also be available to some participants to help address financial and personal barriers.
Scarborough Health Network president and CEO David Graham said the program is designed to both attract new people to health-care careers and help existing professionals expand their skills.
“Together with Fleming College, we are helping more people access health-care training while preparing personal support workers and nurses to meet the needs of patients and communities,” Graham said.
Recruitment will focus on eligible domestic participants, with targeted outreach to women, newcomers to Canada, racialized people and members of underserved communities.
Training is expected to be offered through multiple cohorts, with the project wrapping up by the end of June 2027.
