Last spring, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) voted to approve a motion tabled by trustee Lisa Dominato that will double the number of dual-credit health care aide (HCA) program seats in the district from two to four. The motion was approved on April 30, by a vote of 6-3, and the new seats will be open for admission beginning in September 2019.
While a modest increase, the approval nonetheless sends an encouraging message that Vancouver’s Board of Education is aware of the need to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the continuing care sector today.
The dual credit program, operated in partnership with Vancouver Community College (VCC) and supported by Vancouver Coastal Health, permits Vancouver high school students to earn credit training as care aides prior to graduation. With both Vancouver and the wider province being confronted with the demographic challenges of an aging population, the continuing care sector will have the highest demand for labour of any sector in the province between now and 2025, with demand for HCAs being among the most acute.
BCCPA strongly supported the motion, writing letters of approval and speaking in favour of it ahead of the VSB’s vote. Our organization understands the value of expanding such dual-credit programs, incorporating them as a core recommendation in our Situation Critical report on addressing the sector’s labour shortages.
With this encouraging example set by VSB, we are excited for other municipalities to explore similar expansions of these programs. On Vancouver Island, the South Island Partnership has established a model for other districts to replicate, and BCCPA looks forward to giving more students the opportunity to better pursue a rewarding career in seniors care.
BCCPA would once again like to thank VSB Chair Janet Fraser and her fellow trustees for supporting the increase in HCA dual credit spaces.
