Fleming College and Scarborough Health Network are partnering to offer tuition-free training aimed at strengthening Ontario’s healthcare workforce.
The project, scheduled to begin in winter 2027, will train 80 new personal support workers and provide specialized rural and remote community training to 30 registered nurses and registered practical nurses.
Led by Scarborough Health Network, with Fleming College serving as the training partner, the project is supported by a $2.2-million investment from the Ontario government’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
“This partnership brings together Scarborough Health Network’s healthcare leadership and Fleming College’s expertise in applied, career-focused education,” said Fleming College interim president Dr. Theresa Knott in a media release.
“By removing financial barriers and providing learners with practical training and comprehensive supports, we are creating more accessible pathways into rewarding healthcare careers while responding directly to workforce needs across Ontario.”
Delivered through Fleming College’s continuing education department, the project will offer accelerated personal support worker training and a rural and remote nursing micro-credential.
Personal support worker participants will complete 12 weeks of theory-based instruction followed by a 300-hour paid work placement. The accelerated program is intended to help students acquire the knowledge and practical experience needed to enter the workforce quickly.
Registered nurses and registered practical nurses enrolled in the micro-credential will take three asynchronous courses concurrently over 14 weeks, developing the specialized skills needed for providing care in rural and remote settings.
Tuition will be free for eligible participants, and personal support worker students will also receive payment for their work placements. Stipends and other supports will also be available to help eligible participants overcome financial and personal barriers to completing their training.
“Building a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce means creating opportunities for people to enter the field and supporting current professionals as they expand their skills,” said Scarborough Health Network president and CEO David Graham.
“Together with Fleming College, we are helping more people access healthcare training while preparing personal support workers and nurses to meet the needs of patients and communities.”
Recruitment will focus on eligible domestic applicants, with targeted outreach to women, newcomers to Canada, racialized people, and members of underserved communities. The training may be offered through multiple cohorts to provide flexible starting dates and appropriate learning supports.
Applications for the first cohort are expected to open in fall 2026.
Eligibility requirements, schedules, and application details to be posted on Fleming College’s website at flemingcollege.ca/continuing-education/courses.
All training funded through the project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2027.
