New program supports Islanders seeking health care positions
A new training program will provide support for Islanders wanting to gain the skills and knowledge to work in health care settings across Prince Edward Island.
The Healthcare Priorities program offers financial assistance for those seeking post-secondary training as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Resident Care Workers (RCWs). For eligible individuals, SkillsPEI will provide funding for up to 70% of course fees. The eligibility criteria has been expanded for the health care pilot to include Islanders who want to pursue health care training and were previously ineligible.
The program will add 60 more spaces for LPNs and RCWs to access post secondary education in PEI in the 2021-2022 school year. This will result in approximately 250 new health care professionals working in the system in the next five years.
“LPNs and RCWs are both very valuable professions within the Island’s health care system, offering care to patients in a variety of settings across the province. This additional support will reduce financial barriers that may be in place for those wishing to access training for these skilled positions. I am pleased that this will increase the number of LPNs and RCWs working in the province and further strengthen our health care workforce.”
- Health and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson
“We are pleased to provide funding through SkillsPEI and to work with our post-secondary institutions on the delivery of this training,” said Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Matthew MacKay. “By working together, this new pilot program can provide more Islanders with the opportunity to pursue their desired career and strengthen our workforce.”
The pilot program was created by the Departments of Health and Wellness, and Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture in collaboration with Holland College, Collège de l'Île and Marguerite Connolly Training & Consulting.
The Healthcare Priorities pilot program is funded by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements.
Information is also available by contacting the post-secondary institutions administering the programs.
Media contact:
Samantha Hughes
Department of Health and Wellness
902-316-1323
shughes@gov.pe.ca
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
902-394-6368
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca