College responds to health care worker shortage

Over the next two years, Northern College will offer four different program pathways to students pursuing careers in healthcare or healthcare

PRESS RELEASE
NORTHERN COLLEGE
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Northern College has responded to the growing shortage of healthcare professionals and has done its part to help manage the growing burden the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the sector by providing funding to support staff development, training and retention procured.

$ 7.3 million will train up to 534 much-needed workers across the north for free. The two-year funding will support Ontario’s economic recovery and growth by developing resilient health and care workers.

In December 2020, Northern College called on employers in the health, mining and forestry sectors for engagement, information and support. A record number of employers responded, ”said Dr. Audrey J. Penner, President and CEO of Project Proposals. “With 145 employers providing hiring needs data, letters of support and partner agreements for program implementation and enrollment, it shows the need for the college to be involved in supporting much-needed employee training,” she added.

Hundreds of job seekers interested in the health, mining and forestry sectors also responded to the college’s call for information, confirming that there is both a need for and a supply of potential workers.

“We need as many people as possible step forward and get back to college for free so Ontario can fill these much-needed jobs at this point,” said Christine Heavens, Northern College executive director of community, business development, employment services and education of the north of the initiatives. “At no other point in our history have we seen such a need because of various factors coming together at the same time. To address this, Northern College teams will help students develop their path, skills and connections to healthcare employment. All of this in order to fill sought-after career opportunities in such a way that their safety is guaranteed in these uncertain times. “

As part of this health project, Northern College, under the direction of the Department of Community and Business Development, including the Northern Training Division, will offer a range of health-specific training programs designed to connect willing students to available careers in health care as quickly as possible. As the Project Advisory Board is formed, a talent pipeline will develop with Timmins and the District Hospital eager to help train and support student internships and potential employment for successful graduates.

Two weeks of future-oriented work and vocational preparation training to support job retention are unique to the programs. The project provides extensive support to the unemployed and precariously employed, including those receiving unemployment insurance benefits without affecting the money they are currently receiving. Support continues even after graduation, with connections and contact with employers to ensure success.

“This pandemic has highlighted aspects of our healthcare system that can be further supported, and these program opportunities, internships and financial incentives give students the opportunity to contribute to that improvement,” said Mike Resetar, vice president, people / director of operations for the Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) of the training initiatives. “This is the perfect balance between opportunity and accessibility, and we are committed to supporting and seizing the opportunity to recharge the healthcare system with these offerings.”

Over the next two years, Northern College will offer four different program pathways to students pursuing careers in healthcare or healthcare. Each program is available to students who qualify and provides a path to a successful career that does not require students to relocate to study.

These include the newly designed programs for Healthcare Workers, Food Service Workers, and Personal Support Worker Assistant, as well as the college’s longstanding Personal Support Worker program.

“This is an incredible opportunity for those seeking training at a time when support has never been so great,” said Heavens of the training. “Making a commitment to graduate from college can be difficult. Nonetheless, this project focuses on helping students remove previous barriers to goal achievement. These programs are designed for maximum effectiveness, meaning that students can be accredited for a program like Health Care Support in 300 hours. However, not all programs are accelerated. “

In addition to access to these funded learning opportunities, students will also receive all work-related accreditations that are required to enter the world of work and reduce the growing pressure on personnel in the healthcare sector.

Northern Ontario is in dire need of health care workers, according to the Far Northeast Training Board, with current employment gaps calling for a need for nearly 400 skilled workers, with projections for the next decade showing even larger gaps associated with increased care needs as population ages.

Northern College is excited to be part of this opportunity to directly impact the health and wellbeing of the region it calls Home.

Programs begin this summer (2021) and those interested in learning more or applying are encouraged to visit the college’s website.

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source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/college-responds-to-health-care-worker-shortage/