EVERGREEN’S Developmental Service Worker Diploma Program (DSW supports people who have a developmental disability by enhancing their capacity to function in community living settings and in society. DSWs are employed by organizations that support individuals with special needs, including faith- and culture-based agencies, and by school boards to assist in the classroom.

Developmental services worker is a non-restricted certified trade regulated by the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. On successfully completing the apprenticeship program, a person working in this trade is entitled to a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Most apprenticeships take two to five years to complete, depending on the trade or occupation. At the time of registration, prior education and related work experience are considered, where appropriate, to potentially reduce the length of the program. Flexible in-school training options are generally available to meet the specific needs of apprentices and their training sponsor or employer.
 

When a person who wants to be an apprentice has found a training sponsor or employer willing to engage in apprenticeship training, either the person or the training sponsor or employer should contact apprenticeship staff at the local Employment Ontario office. An employment and training consultant will arrange a meeting at the workplace to assess the ability of the training sponsor or employer to train and assess the person, prepare the training agreement or contract, and initiate the training.