Lambton designed Micro-Credential recognized by Long-Term Care homes across Ontario
SARNIA, May 7, 2024 – Lambton College is pleased to announce its participation in a new initiative aimed at revolutionizing Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities across Ontario. As one of nine new partnerships established through the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), Lambton College, with support from the Government of Canada, is redefining experiential learning for students and employers alike.
This initiative addresses the critical need to expand access to WIL experiences, particularly for small and medium-sized employers and underrepresented students. By fostering partnerships between post-secondary institutions and industry organizations, Lambton College aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen fields.
In collaboration with long-term care homes (LTCs) and stakeholders across Ontario, Lambton College is spearheading the development of a standardized micro-credential onboarding and training program.
Building upon Lambton College’s track record of success with standardized Human Resources orientation training, in collaboration with Sarnia-Lambton LTCs and sector partners such as Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA), AdvantAge, and Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA), the program is tailored to meet industry standards.
Through funding from BHER, Lambton College will offer base orientation training to 1,500 students from various disciplines, preparing them for co-op placements, volunteer opportunities, and internships within LTCs. This training equips students with the necessary skills to provide safe and secure care within LTC homes.
The program will yield a digital passport portal system recognized by LTCs across the province, reducing administrative burdens and supporting audit requirements. It is open to post-secondary students across Ontario, ensuring widespread access to valuable learning experiences.
Since its launch in January 2024, Lambton College has trained nearly 200 students and delivered over 3,600 micro-credentials for placements in Sarnia-Lambton LTCs. As part of the program, Lambton College is expanding its reach through additional partnerships, with commitments from LTC homes in Windsor Essex.
The BHER-funded program incentivizes LTCs to engage in work-integrated learning by reducing the administrative burden of LTCs through standardized student onboarding and supporting risk management processes, to ensure the best experience for students and the LTC residents.