The province is investing $26 million to expand training for personal support workers and registered practical nurses in long-term care, while also supporting career development for existing staff.
The funding, according to the Ontario government, will help nearly 3,000 new staff gain practical experience in their home communities.
Two programs will benefit from the investment. The Supporting Professional Growth Fund provides training and upskilling for staff already working in long-term care homes. Living Classrooms integrates classroom instruction with hands-on work inside care homes, allowing students to apply what they learn while supporting residents directly.
The funding is part of a broader provincial strategy to strengthen staffing, improve direct care hours, and enhance the quality of care in long-term care homes. Since 2021, the province has increased daily care hours per resident by more than an hour, equivalent to 15 additional days of care per year. Expansions to long-term care beds are also underway to meet growing demand.
Officials say the programs are designed to attract and retain skilled staff while giving students meaningful career pathways. By blending classroom learning with practical experience, the province aims to better prepare the workforce to meet the evolving needs of long-term care residents.
For more information on training and career opportunities in long-term care, visit ontario.ca/longtermcare.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
