Train for a Career in Healthcare
The Healthcare sector is growing in Durham Region, and more people are needed to help care for others in the community.
Through the DWA’s Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) program, you can train for a career in healthcare as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).
If you like helping people and want steady work that makes a difference, this program could be a good fit for you.
Working as a Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) help people with their everyday needs so they can live safely and comfortably. This is a hands‑on role. You help people with daily tasks such as personal care, moving safely, and staying comfortable. You also provide support, reassurance, and a caring presence for the people you work with.
As a PSW, you may:
- Help with personal care such as bathing and dressing
- Help people move safely and stay active
- Work in busy or fast-paced settings
- Support, seniors, people with disabilities or people who are recovering from illness or injury
PSWs work in many different settings, including:
- Nursing and retirement homes
- Hospitals
- Community and home care settings
As a PSW, you can build a caring career and earn a steady income. In Durham, PSWs who work in home care settings earn an average wage of $23.30, while those in nursing homes or hospital settings earn an average wage of $24.72.
An Interview with a PSW Student
To learn more about working as a PSW, click the links below:
Working in Home Care Settings
Working in Nursing Homes or Hospitals
Working in Healthcare
Working as a PSW offers a stable career and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives and in your community.
As a healthcare worker, what you do matters. Every day, you help people feel safe, supported, and cared for. Your work can make someone’s day better, easier, or more comfortable.
As a PSW, you can expect:
- Many job opportunities, over 1,400 jobs were posted in Durham in 2025
- The chance to work close to home, with more than 320 employers hiring PSWs in Durham in 2025
- A role where you help others every day
- A good starting point for a career in healthcare
Looking at a Career as a PSW
Working in healthcare means doing work that makes a difference. Becoming a PSW is a great option if you want a reliable job, long‑term stability, and a career you can feel proud of.
Training You Will Receive
Program participants will receive Personal Support Worker (PSW) training at no cost, provided by Durham Catholic District School Board – Continuing Education.
The program runs Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and takes place in a classroom setting. The training runs from September 2026 to June 2027.
Your training will include:
- In‑class learning and hands‑on practice
- Safety and infection control
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Work placements with employers to gain real experience on the job
This structured program is designed to help you build the skills and confidence needed for a successful career in healthcare.
Learn More About Training to become a PSW
This Program May Be Right for You
The PSW program may be a good fit for you if you enjoy helping others and want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. People who enjoy working as a PSW are typically:
- Comfortable working closely with others
- Patient, caring, and reliable
- Interested in working in the healthcare sector
This work involves patience, kindness, and respect. You do not need to have worked in healthcare before. This program is open to people new to the field who want to learn. What matters most is your interest in helping others and your willingness to learn new skills.
If you are looking for work that feels meaningful, where you can support your community and build a strong future for yourself, the PSW program could be a great place to start.
What to Expect if You Join
The PSW training program is clear and well-organized, so you always know what to expect. It includes a mix of classroom and hands‑on learning. This means you will practice real tasks and learn by doing. It helps you build the skills, confidence, and good work habits that lead to a successful career. Hands-on learning helps you feel more comfortable and ready before starting work.
You will not be on your own. Our team will support you throughout the program. We are here to answer questions, help you stay on track, and support you if any challenges come up.
Support During and After Training
We are here to support you, not just during training but after as well.
We will connect you with a local Employment Service provider who can provide support, including:
- Help with resumes and cover letters
- Interview preparation
- Job search support
- Connections to employers
After training, we will check in with you to help you as you move into work.
Important Things to Know
Being a PSW can be very rewarding, but it is important to understand the job. Before applying, please keep in mind:
- Not everyone who applies will be accepted
- You must complete an assessment to be considered
- Training is free if you meet the program requirements
- Training does not guarantee a job
- You must stay engaged and finish the program
- You must meet the DCDSB admission requirements, which include:
- 18 years of age or older;
- written medical clearance from your doctor;
- Two Step TB Test;
- Flu Vaccination;
- clear Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check*;
- a minimum score of 80 per cent on the Literacy Test;
- successful personal interview;
- proof of Canadian citizenship/permanent residency.
- clear Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector check and medical completed prior to the start of the program and must be 6 months recent.
This program is best for people who are ready to commit and take the next step in their career.
Your Path to a New Career Starts Here
Start by completing the form to show your interest.
If you’re still not sure if this pathway is right for you, that’s okay.
When you complete the assessment, we’ll help guide you to the best option—whether that’s healthcare, nuclear energy, or other community supports.
