Program Overview
With funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) will be training Therapeutic Recreation Assistants in the Okanagan, Island, and Kootenays 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.
In partnership with the Community Workforce Response Grant (CWRG), BCCPA will cover the entire cost of tuition for participants, as well as provide additional eligible participant financial 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 of theory, and 7 weeks of community practice education. The theory component is delivered entirely online. In total, the entire program consists of 1318 hours of training.
CWRG Eligibility Criteria
Participants must:
- Currently reside in B.C.; (Okanagan, Island or Kootenays regions);
- 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 last 12 months 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 30 hours or less 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:
- 19 years of age or grade 12 graduation
- Passing Stenberg College entrance examination for reading and spelling or successful completion of English 12 or higher
- Successful completion of Stenberg College’s online Computer Skills Entrance test
- Passing a verbal test if English is an additional language
- Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act
Key Dates
Pre-screening/interviews: Actively accepting applications.
Skills training dates:
- September 5, 2023 – August 5, 2024
How to Apply
If you meet the minimum CWRG Eligibility Criteria & Stenberg College Admissions Prerequisites, please click here to apply.
General Enquiries
For general enquiries or assistance, please contact BCCPA Programs department:
Email: programs@bccare.ca
Phone: 604-736-4233 ext. 246
About Therapeutic Recreation Assistants
Learn More
Learn more about Stenberg College’s TRA Program here.
FAQs
The funding allows BCCPA to fully fund the Diploma tuition cost for participants, as well as provide an up to $5000 in additional financial supports during training.
Students enrolled in the program will receive skills training by way of an industry recognized curriculum for TRAs.
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.
Students are expected at all times to comply with Provincial Health Orders related to COVID-19, and to follow all infection prevention and control procedures while in care settings.
*Medical exemptions are determined by B.C. Health Officials and BCCPA cannot guarantee any exemptions will be made. Learn more about scope of medical exemptions here.
Last updated: July 4, 2023
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
