BCCPA set to launch another health care aide training program with Stenberg College
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) has secured another round of funding through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement which will cover the tuition and expenses for 16 students in Kamloops to pursue careers in seniors’ care.
$240,000 will go towards training a 16-person cohort of health care assistants (HCAs) through Stenberg College in Kamloops. Four other cohorts are currently in training thanks to funding the Association received in 2020 and 2021 and three different cohorts graduated just last month. The entire cost of tuition for program participants, as well as provide financial supports for travel, childcare and other training allowances, will be covered.
“Thanks to the Community Workforce Response Grant, students who were previously limited by financial constraints and family obligations were given the opportunity to pursue meaningful careers as health care assistants,” says BCCPA CEO Terry Lake. “BCCPA, in partnership with Discovery Community College, is excited to train another batch of HCAs that will soon join the sector to provide excellent care to seniors in B.C.”
Students enrolled in the training program will receive skills training by way of the provincially approved curriculum for health care assistants, as well as enhanced health and safety training delivered by SafeCare BC.
BCCPA has gained strong support for this initiative from five employers in each region. The Good Samaritan Hillside Village, The Hamlets at Westsyde, Sienna Senior Living Ridgeview Lodge, Vantage Living, and Park Place Seniors Living are seeking to fill part-time and full-time positions in their organizations by participating in the program.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the BCCPA and the Community Workforce Response Grant,” says Melanie Reinhardt, President of Vantage Living. “Bringing the HCA program to the Interior will ensure that our community members receive training for meaningful, in-demand jobs and seniors receive excellent care. As a Vernon resident, and a future employer of the students, I’m really excited to see this opportunity come to our community!”
Following the completion of the skills training program, BCCPA will host hiring fairs for participating employers and program graduates.
Since 2018, BCCPA has undertaken multiple measures to resolve the health human resources crisis in British Columbia, including hosting a sector-wide collaborative with care providers, government, labour unions and training colleges; issuing two reports outlining the scale of the crisis and providing 10 recommendations on how to resolve it; establishing a $25,000 HCA bursary program in partnership with Okanagan College; partnering with Health Match BC to design their new Choose2Care recruitment campaign; and delivering the provincially approved HCA curriculum to 157 students in communities throughout BC.
BCCPA and Stenberg College will be hosting an online information session on May 18th, 2021 (see link to register) for interested applicants to learn more.
Stenberg College Admissions Prerequisites
There are minimum eligibility requirements (listed on this page) that potential participants must meet before moving forward with the application process. Additional admission requirements are set by Stenberg College in line with their standard admission prerequisites, including:
- Grade 12 graduation or mature student status (19+)
- Meet English language competency requirements:
- Proof of completion of Grade 10 English or higher for native speakers
- Proof of standardized English language assessment test for non-native speakers
Stenberg Admissions Enquiries
For general admissions enquiries, please call 1-877-836-2374 or contact The Registrar’s Office at Stenberg College, at registrar@stenbergcollege.com.
How to Apply
If you meet the minimum CWRG eligibility & Stenberg College admissions requirements, please complete BCCPA’s intake interest and referral form and BCCPA will contact you to schedule a virtual pre-screen appointment.
Key Dates
Pre-screening/interviews: Beginning May 2021.
Skills training dates: June 28th, 2021 – January 10th, 2022.
Hiring fair: Held post-program completion.
Info Session – May 18th
Click here to register for our upcoming info session (May 18th, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.).
Training will begin June 28th, 2021 in Kamloops. Additional details the training program are available here.
