Program Overview
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is offering free training to 16 new Health Care Assistants (HCA) in Vernon. Students enrolled in the program will receive skills training by way of the provincially approved curriculum for health care assistants, delivered in partnership with Discovery Community College (DCC).
BCCPA will cover the entire cost of tuition for participants, as well as provide additional training supports.
BCCPA has gained strong support for this initiative from several employers in the region. All participating employers have part-time or full-time positions available in their organizations. Following the completion of the skills training program, BCCPA will facilitate job connections between participating employers and program graduates.
Eligibility Criteria
Participants must:
- currently reside in B.C.;
- be 16 years of age or older;
- be Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or Protected Persons entitled to work in Canada;
- be in possession of a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN);
- be unemployed, or employed part-time*, seasonally, casually, or precariously**;
*Part-time is defined as those employed less than 30 hours per week.
**Precariously is defined as those who are employed but at risk of losing a job and in need of training for a new job.
College Admissions Prerequisites
The above are the minimum grant eligibility requirements potential participants must meet before moving forward with the application process.
Additional admission requirements are set by Discovery Community 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
Key Dates
Pre-screening/interviews: Actively accepting applications.
Skills training dates: December 9, 2024 – August 22, 2025
How to Apply
If you meet the minimum Eligibility Criteria & College Admissions Prerequisites, please click here to apply through BCCPA’s training intake request form.
General Enquiries
For general enquiries or assistance, please contact BCCPA’s Programs department:
Email: programs[at]bccare.ca
Phone: 604-736-4233 ext. 246
FAQs
HCAs assist clients with mobility, activities of daily living, and personal care. They observe and monitor clients, complete records, and report changes and unsafe conditions to their supervisor. HCAs are supervised by nurses and other regulated health care professionals.
Learn more about becoming an HCA at www.choose2care.ca or visit the FAQ section on our Health Human Resources information page here.
The program offers a tuition-free HCA Diploma for participants, as well as an up to $3,500 in additional financial supports during training.
Students enrolled in the program will receive part-time skills training by way of the provincially approved curriculum for health care assistants. Participants will also benefit from enhanced occupational health and safety training.
Participants are expected to have a flexible schedule to accommodate the variable scheduling requirements throughout the theory, lab and practice education program components.
While COVID-19 specific mandates have been lifted, students are still expected to comply with provincial Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) procedures at all times while in care settings. These measures are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Note: Participants with SINs beginning with ‘9’ will need to additionally provide a valid protected status document, a valid work permit, as well as a valid study permit which cover the entire training period for eligibility verification purposes.
