The results are in, and it’s time to celebrate! Throughout June and July we are proudly graduating 35 new Personal Support Worker (PSW) candidates from its highly successful Living Classroom program.

The Living Classroom model is an immersive, 38-week educational journey designed to combat the growing demand for frontline healthcare professionals. Instead of learning solely in a traditional school environment, students are embedded directly into real care settings at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Guelph and Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home in Fergus. Working right alongside veteran healthcare workers, students complete 330 hours of clinical placement while earning vital certifications like Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA®) in dementia care.

What makes this graduating class extra special is their deep connection to our local community. A number of these graduates have already been working hard within our system as Emergency Educational Assistants (EAs) with the UGDSB, balancing their work while elevating their skills. Others have already been familiar faces on the floor, working directly at Wellington Terrace.

This program helps build a stronger, more compassionate healthcare system in our community. The graduates have attended classes at night and on weekends while juggling the demands of their jobs, family, and other commitments. We are so proud of their commitment, hard work and dedication.

By stepping up to fill these vital roles, our grads are entering the workforce fully prepared from day one to deliver exceptional care. Thank you to the instructors, families, and healthcare partners who supported them along the way.

Congratulations to the class of 2026! We can't wait to see the incredible impact you'll continue to make.

To read more about the program: UGDSB Living Classroom Page.