WORCESTER, MA – October 29, 2025 – Quinsigamond Community College was recently awarded a $106,183 state grant for its Personal Care Assistant (PCA) workforce development program. The funding is part of approximately $1.5 million in Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants awarded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration. QCC has received over $1.4 million in TRAIN grants since 2016.
QCC’s PCA program will train 30 individuals as PCAs, providing an entry point to a career in healthcare. After successfully completing the PCA program, students will be prepared to work in entry-level positions in private residences, group homes and assisted living facilities, supervising and assisting elderly, ill or disabled clients.
“This grant allows us to expand access to meaningful healthcare careers and meet a growing need in our community,” said Director of Workforce Development Operations Kathleen O’Connor. “Personal Care Aides play a vital role in supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities, and demand for qualified caregivers continues to rise. Our PCA program not only prepares students for immediate employment but also opens doors to long-term career growth.”
The PCA program is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills and competencies required to provide high-quality care in various settings. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, real-world scenarios and foundational healthcare knowledge to ensure students are well prepared for their roles.
All students will receive 80 hours of classroom training, including Basic Life Support (BLS) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification training and workforce readiness training, as well as 16 experiential learning hours through an internship with employer partners. Students also have access to support services such as financial literacy assistance, family support services and transportation.
For more information on QCC’s workforce development programs visit QCC.edu/wfd.