The success of a co-op program preparing graduates for jobs as personal support workers at Centretown’s Adult High School is making plans to expand.
“About 85 to 90 per cent are offered and take a job from graduation,” says Rene Bibaud, the school’s principal. “I think it speaks of the quality of our program and the quality of instruction they are receiving.”
The Personal Support Worker Certificate Program trains students to deliver personal care to individuals in need of support at home or in health-care facilities such as retirement homes and chronic care facilities in the Centretown area.
The instructor, Susan Burnell-Jones, teaches the in-class component of the program. Students are at the school for two days a week and at co-op placements for the remaining three days of the week, where they practise what they learned in theory, such as changing beds and handing out medications.
There is a typical high school classroom with bulletin boards of instruction and desks each labeled with a nametag. A second room is set up with hospital beds, where the students practise their skills.
“The majority of our class has been hired already from June, so we have a very good reputation in the community,” says Burnell-Jones.
The program focuses on communication and interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organization and time management to achieve successful job placements.
The program is run through the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, but is only offered to adults. Adults must have Grade 12 English and proof of immigration status in Canada to be enrolled.
“Our tuition is reasonable and we meet accreditation standards,” said Burnell-Jones.
The program’s tuition costs $2,000, which includes textbooks, uniforms, CPR training and other certificates necessary for delivering personal care.
Katrina Crawford, 24, is a student currently enrolled in the program. She said that the low tuition and its short duration allow her to go to school while being a single mother.
“It’s only a five-month program, unlike going to Algonquin for a whole year,” said Crawford. “Home is tough but it’ll be worth it.”
Crawford wants to work in homecare for the elderly, which was a career path she figured out after having her daughter six years ago.
“I thought I wanted to work in day care, but I have practice looking after infants now. I decided to switch it up and do this instead and I love it.”
Angela Omoregbee is another student in the program. She currently lives in Vanier, but immigrated from Nigeria.
“Back home, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to take a program like this,” said Omoregbee. “But I’ve always had this dream, and I am only able to fulfill it now that I’m here.”
Omoregbee also fell in love with her now-husband while in the program.
“My husband did not only just tell me about the program, but he did the PSW program and is currently working the field. Without this program I wouldn’t be able to live my dreams.”