Program Overview
Thanks to funding by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is training 10 new Therapeutic Recreation Assistants in select communities across Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, and Sea to Sky regions of B.C. Students enrolled in the program will receive skills training by way of an industry recognized curriculum for TRAs, delivered in partnership with Stenberg College.
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 each 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.
The program will be delivered over the course of 47 weeks, including 40 weeks for theory, and 7 weeks for practice education. The theory component is delivered entirely online. In total, the entire program consists of 1336 hours of training.
CWRG 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**;
- have not participated in any other CWRG funded training projects in the fiscal year (April 1, 2024 – Current) or be currently enrolled in any other federally or provincially funded training programs at the start of the project;
*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.
Stenberg College Admissions Prerequisites
The above are the minimum eligibility requirements 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 12 English or equivalent for native speakers
- Proof of standardized English language assessment test for non-native speakers
- Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act
Key Dates
Pre-screening/interviews: Actively accepting applications.
Skills training dates:
- August 28, 2024 – August 4, 2025
How to Apply
We are currently accepting applications for applicants residing in the following regional communities:
- Vancouver Island: Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Ladysmith, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Sidney, Saanich, Esquimalt
- Sunshine Coast: Gibsons
- Sea to Sky: Squamish
If you meet the minimum CWRG Eligibility Criteria & Stenberg 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 Programs department:
Email: programs [at] bccare.ca
Phone: 604-736-4233 ext. 246
About Therapeutic Recreation Assistants
Learn More
Learn more about Stenberg College’s TRA Program here.
FAQs
By using a person-centred approach, TRAs assist each individual in pursuing past recreational and leisure activities while also learning new ones. TRAs enhance older adults' quality of life while maintaining their independence and wellbeing. This is a career for well-trained, passionate and caring individuals who want to make a difference in older adults’ lives.
Becoming a TRA can be a great career choice for internationally educated health care professionals, or care aides who want something more creative or less physical.
Learn more about Stenberg College’s TRA Program here.
The funding allows BCCPA to fully fund the Diploma tuition cost for participants, as well as provide an up to $3,500 in additional financial supports during training.
Students enrolled in the program will receive skills training by way of an industry recognized curriculum for TRAs.
In total, the entire program consists of 1318 hours of training.
As a TRA, you’ll find opportunities for employment in:
- Long-term care
- Assisted living
- Community & senior centres
- Adult day centres
- Rehabilitation centres
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.
