VSB trustees recognize need for seniors care workers
Burnaby, B.C. (May 1, 2018) – A vote by the Vancouver Board of Education on Monday evening will have positive ramifications for families across British Columbia says BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA). In a majority vote by the Vancouver School Board at Monday night’s public meeting, trustees supported a motion to expand the available “dual credit” spaces for health care aides (HCAs) for students graduating from secondary school.
Dual credit programs allow students to receive credits to graduate grade 12, while providing training to make them “job ready” after graduation. The choice to expand available spaces is in response to the high demand for workers in the seniors care sector.
“By voting in favour of expanding dual credit spaces for HCAs, the Vancouver School Board is sending a message that other districts should take note of,” says BCCPA CEO Daniel Fontaine. “The crisis so many care providers are facing around shortages of front line workers means we have to look at every avenue to introduce people into career opportunities in seniors care.”
Though B.C.’s labour market outlook shows the seniors care sector as having the highest demand in any field between now and 2025 (including more than careers in film, tourism and high tech), HCA training only merits a mere 2 spaces for the entire Vancouver school district. Auto mechanic training, by comparison, has 8 times as many spaces.
“We commend the Vancouver Board of Education for supporting Trustee Lisa Dominato’s motion,” adds Fontaine. “They clearly understood the importance of providing more health care career options for students, and we will be asking school districts right across the province to follow Vancouver’s lead by either establishing new, or expanding existing, HCA dual credit programs.”
Health care aides perform a vital role in the delivery of care for seniors in residential care homes, assisted living communities, and in home support. The VSB motion was supported by written correspondence from both Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and Vancouver Community College.
BC Care Providers Association is currently advocating for a province-wide health human resources strategy to expand the number of front line workers in senior care.
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Media Contact
Mike Klassen, VP, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
mklassen@bccare.ca
604-377-5499
About BC Care Providers Association
Established in 1977, BC Care Providers Association is the leading industry association for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 300 residential care, assisted living, home care, home support, and commercial members from across British Columbia.
Feature photo credit: Ray Tomlin via Twitter
