b'CONTINUING EDUCATIONFor more information about school board PSW programs, visit getmypsw.ca. For Living Classroom, visit livingclassroom.ca. To learn more about CESBAs PSW projects or to book a Coffee Chat with a PSW Champion at your long-term care home, contact PSW@cesba.com.wraparound supports, including ESL classes and assistance from guidance counsellors. These programs meet stringent government training standards and are subject to a robust quality assurance process, overseen by third-party auditors, to ensure compliance. Courses are delivered by qualified nurses, many of whom are also certified teachers. Graduates of school board PSW programs are highly skilled, career-ready and in high demand by employers.CESBA-led projects supporting PSW training School boardPSW Career Navigator Project The PSW Career Navigator Project aims to support PSW careers in long-term care. Regional PSW Champions engage PSW training learners enrolled in school board PSW programs with in-person presentations and information sessions to talk about their own experiences and to highlight the many benefits and rewards of working in long-term care. The Champions Helping to fill gaps inalso host Coffee Chats at long-term care homes to long-term care connect with staff and create a culture of support and positivity within the PSW profession. By Anita Plunkett PSW Engagement Strategy Project P ersonal support workers (PSWs) have never beenThe Engagement Strategy Project focuses on increasing awareness of health care careers and training opportunities more needed in Ontarios long-term care sector. Withoffered by school boards to secondary school students, increasing demand for qualified workers, CESBAtheparticularly those enrolled in their schools Specialist High Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing EducationSkills Major (SHSM)Health & Wellness program. Through School Board Administratorshas been at the forefront ofworkshops, job fairs and information sessions led by regional tackling the critical shortage of PSWs through school boardPSW Champions, students are introduced to how PSW PSW training programs.training can be used as a foundation to other health care careers such as nursing. Thanks to recent funding from the Ontario government, CESBA is leading three innovative initiatives that aim toThe Champions encourage students to take advantagetrain, recruit and retain PSWs in long-term care while alsoof co-op placement and volunteer opportunities inhighlighting the unique benefits of school board-run long-term care, and help them discover career bridging PSW programs. options and the financial supports available. Students are also able to take micro-credential training in infection The value of school board PSW programscontrol, feeding and medical terminology to better support PSW programs run through Ontarios school boards standtheir experiences in co-op placements in long-term care out for their high quality and accessibility. Available at overas well as fulfil their Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) 40 sites across the province through more than 20 schoolprogram requirements. boards, these accredited programs cater to diverse learners and provide hands-on practical learning. Offered in bothTo appeal to youth, the Champions hand out fun branded English and French, the program is currently free until Marchswag that promotes the GetMyPSW.ca microsite, a landing 2026. Flexible learning options, such as part-time classespage that features frequently asked questions about school and night school, make it easier for students to participate.board PSW programs and an interactive map to find local training programs. Through these efforts, CESBA is helping Additionally, students can choose to work toward earningto ensure that PSW careers are highlighted as a viable and their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and accessrewarding option for youth and adult learners alike.38 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2025'