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Developmental Services Worker Apprenticeship

A headshot of a person smiling towards the camera. The person is wearing a green long-sleeved shirt and a necklace.

The Developmental Services Worker apprenticeship program is designed for individuals who want to earn their certificate while gaining hands-on experience in the field. To enrol in courses at Loyalist, you must first register as an apprentice with the Ministry.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Developmental Services Worker Apprenticeship
Duration
Other
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
May (Spring)
September (Fall)
Locations
Online

Find your career

DSWs support people of all ages with disabilities, enhancing their presence and participation in community life. DSW apprenticeship certificate graduates find rewarding positions: 

  • Providing respite support for families. 
  • Providing in-home support to help people maintain independence. 
  • In community agencies as residential counsellors and vocational coaches, helping people find meaningful activities. 
  • In schools as educational assistants and with not-for-profit organizations. 
  • As activation directors in residential programs and long-term care facilities. 
Headshot of DSW Apprenticeship student, Kelsey.

As I am already working in the field, being in the program provided me further knowledge and resources to be able to add to my tool belt. I was able to bring what I was learning in my courses to my workplace to continue to excel.

Kelsey, Developmental Services Worker Apprenticeship, 2024

How you'll learn

A developmental services worker (DSW) assists individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities in improving their ability to engage fully in community life. Prepare for a rewarding career in this field by working alongside experienced DSWs as an apprentice.

 

The apprenticeship program is for people interested in completing the Developmental Services Worker apprenticeship certificate while working in the field. Earn while you learn and complete your course requirements with the flexibility of part-time, online learning.

  • This program consists of a total of 12 courses, delivered online through distance studies.
  • Learn alongside professionals in the field as you continue to grow your skills in the developmental services sector.
  • Network with industry experts.
  • There is no requirement to attend classes or to visit one of Loyalist’s campuses.
  • Any tests can be completed at home. The course outline, schedule, lessons, assessments and web links are posted on Loyalist’s learning management system.
  • Work alongside experienced DSWs, gaining on-the-job training while completing theory courses and making valuable connections in your field.
  • Learn more about the DSW apprenticeship on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

Courses

  • DSWP 7071, Developmental Disabilities (one semester)
  • DSWP 7072, Philosophy of Support (one semester)
  • DSWP 7082, Professionalism (three semesters)
  • DSWP 7073, Social Services (one semester)
  • DSWP 7074, Person Directed Plans (one semester)
  • DSWP 7076, Teaching Strategies (one semester)
  • DSWP 7081, Community Building (one semester)
  • DSWP 7077, Responding to Abuse (one semester)
  • DSWP 7078, Health and Wellness (three semesters)
  • DSWP 7075, Intervention Strategies (one semester)
  • DSWP 7079, Pharmacology (one semester)
  • DSWP 7080, Dual Diagnosis (one semester)

 

To register for courses, please visit the Online apprenticeships registration page. Additional details about the courses listed above are available in the curriculum standard on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

 

Please note:

  • Important dates for DSW Apprenticeship apply to registration, withdrawal with a refund, and withdrawal without academic penalty. For further information, please contact cedsw@loyalistcollege.com.
  • Courses are delivered online through Canvas, Loyalist’s learning management system.
  • Registration is directed by MLITSD.
  • Courses can fill up prior to the end of the registration period.

 

Questions? Get in touch!

Tel: 613-969-1913 or 1-888-569-2547, ext. 2551
Email: cedsw@loyalistcollege.com

How to apply

This program is only open to registered apprentices.

Learn how to register as an apprentice and confirm your invitation.

How to apply
  • To get started, apply for an apprenticeship and sign a training agreement with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). This will require you to find a sponsor or employer who will provide you with on-the-job apprenticeship training.
  • Once you have a valid client identification number from the Ministry, the Ministry will contact Loyalist with your contact information so that you can be added to our list of approved apprentices.  You will be contacted to register for the next available semester for in-class (online) training. Reach out to cedsw@loyalistcollege.com or contact us at cereg@loyalistcollege.com.
Admission requirements
  • Students are only eligible to register for courses at Loyalist after registering as an apprentice with MLITSD.

Costs

  • The Ministry pays most of the in-class costs of apprenticeship training. The cost of the course for the apprentice is noted under the course link. The Ministry also has useful information about options for financial help.
  • Please note that students may be responsible for additional costs related to completing their placement.

Further study

Turn your certificate into a diploma

  • Continue your studies to obtain the Developmental Services Worker (Online) diploma and advance your career opportunities.
  • Bridging to the DSW diploma requires completing additional courses through distance studies and a placement. This must be completed within five years of your start date as an apprentice.

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