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PM40050478 THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2020 BEHIND THE CRIMES Solved and Unsolved Cases in Ontario Our journalists revisit the crimes that dominated headlines in our communities. WATERLOOCHRONICLE.CA/ BEHINDTHECRIMES Working a few hours a week at a local axe-throwing attraction isn't cutting it for Kira Pedersen. She has some college under her belt, but the medical tran- scriptionist diploma she attained last February still hasn't resulted in any job offers. "Even though we are in a glob- al pandemic and need healthcare workers, I have been unable to find a job not just in my field, but in healthcare itself," she said. For some time, Pedersen had considered a career as a personal support worker, like her mom. Now with the backing of a new partner in her life, she's been con- templating a return to school. Pedersen recently applied for a new program being offered at no cost through Conestoga Col- lege by ParaMed Home Health Care that enables students in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and the surrounding area to fast-track their PSW certifica- tion in just 20 weeks, with no tu- ition cost. "Because there's a shortage of PSWs, what we're really trying to COLLEGE PROGRAM TO CERTIFY PSWs FASTER, FOR FREE See 24 SPOTS, page 4 BILL JACKSON bjackson@torstar.cabjackson@torstar.cab Cindy Iheanacho, a personal support worker with ParaMed Home Health Care, is pictured here at the company's training facility on Manitou Drive in Kitchener. Bill Jackson/Torstar Queen Panel Bed ONLY $799! Buy the matching pieces and SAVE THE TAX! And get it before Christmas! QueenQueen Panel Bed 30 Benjamin Road, Waterloo, ON www.furniturehouse.ca • (519) 746-0060 Thank you for Supporting Local. RETIREMENT SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO! SEE BAck PAPAP gE Visit us online at www.waterloochronicle.ca