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Home Support Worker Training Program For Newcomers Returns

March 19, 2026
By Kat Rendek

Cornwall Ontario – A free Home Support Worker program is being offered again for newcomers to Canada with existing health care experience.

EOTB Home Support Worker

The Eastern Ontario Training Board (EOTB), partnership with in St. Lawrence College and Tri-County Literacy Council, are offering another free 12-week session of the Home Support Worker Program to help newcomers to Canada prepare for employment in the local health care sector.

“Our first Home Support Worker program for newcomers was a great success,” said Kimberly Hamilton, Operations Manager with the EOTB.  “All 12 participants completed the practical, hands-on training, and 10 are now employed or in the hiring process. We’re excited to launch our second cohort and give more newcomers the skills and confidence to thrive in a high-demand career.”

The program runs May 4 to July 24, 2026 with in-person training at St. Lawrence College, Cornwall Campus and the EOTB Offices.

Participants will graduate with a clear understanding of the Home Support Worker role as a member of the health care team, and will include several key certifications and skills including :

    • Foundational Concepts of Home Care
    • Food Handlers Certification
    • Non Crisis Intervention
    • First AID/CPR
    • Mental Health First Aid
    • Gentle Persuasive Approaches
    • Employability Skills

Eligibility for the program is limited to residents of Cornwall, SDG, P-R, or Akwesasne who are:

    • Newcomers
    • 18 years of age or older
    • Have an English language proficiency at Level 5 or higher
    • Entitled to work in Canada
    • Have previous experience in the healthcare or customer service industry in their home country
    • Unemployed or underemployed individuals

To see if you qualify, please contact EOTB at info@eotb-cfeo.on.ca or call 613-932-0210 and visit the program page online:

About the Eastern Ontario Training Board

The Eastern Ontario Training Board (EOTB) was established to play a leading role in labour force development. It undertakes a number of projects throughout the year, and publishes the TOP report on local labour force issues. In recent months the EOTB team has worked on a number of initiatives in collaboration with local partners:

    • Free employer training sessions focused on building business and supporting employees,
    • Sector-specific employer roundtables to discuss challenges and best practices,
    • Government funded training programs, in partnership with employers, in the following areas: Dietary Aide, Automotive Service Technician, Home Support Worker, Office Assistant, DZ Truck Driver. Training included soft skills workshops such as communication skills, teamwork, self-awareness and more. Employers were provided with a wage subsidy to hire these newly trained workers,
    • Hosted a free youth-focused event with a keynote speaker, an employer panel, and mental health resources to guide young adults on their career journey,
    • Launched quarterly, employer-led forums that provide a space for employers to discuss workforce challenges, insights and successes, and
    •  Maintained a regular newsletter reaching over 700 local employers, sharing updates on events, resources, and programs.

More info can be found online:

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