Improving access to health-care training
A new initiative will help Albertans with language barriers gain the skills they need to build careers and support our health-care system. The two-year pilot program integrates English language learning with health-care aide training, enabling Albertans with English language barriers to access the specialized and comprehensive education they need to be successful front-line health-care workers. “We are investing in Alberta’s future by empowering students facing language barriers to pursue the education they need to launch their careers in health care. This is great news for students, our healthcare system, and the many Albertans who will benefit from the high-quality care these graduates will provide.”Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education “This pilot program is going to help so many people. Albertans will have greater access to the health care they need, and students will receive language training assistance so they can follow their dreams of working in the health-care system. As future health-care aides, they will play critical roles across the system.”
Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health Alberta’s government is investing an estimated $3.8 million in the initiative, which will support 324 students over the next two years and help Alberta meet the growing demand for front-line health-care workers. A successful pilot will also provide a model to expand integrated English language training to other programs and professions. “Red Deer College is excited to be among the post-secondary institutions in our province to partner with the Government of Alberta in piloting this unique training opportunity. RDC is proud to increase applied learning opportunities in our region that respond to the needs of our diverse students who seek to create successful lives and meaningful careers as health-care aides. We are equally proud to provide highly qualified graduates who will assist Albertans as they contribute to healthier communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and well into the future.”
Peter Nunoda, president, Red Deer College “Newcomers want to participate and contribute to community. The health-care aide for English language learners certificate provides English language training as well as competency development across the health-care aide scope of practice. This is an opportunity to work in partnership with the Government of Alberta, other training providers and industry to resupply the health workforce with much-needed and qualified health-care aides.”
Misheck Mwaba, president and chief executive officer, Bow Valley College “Health-care aides are critical to delivering the high-quality care Albertans expect. NorQuest is so pleased to work with the Government of Alberta on this pilot program to reduce barriers for learners, develop exceptional health-care professionals, and ensure that patients continue to get the care they deserve.”
Carolyn Campbell, president and chief executive officer, NorQuest College “I believe that the government was wise to work in partnership with post-secondary institutions to establish a new model to expand English language training in the field of health-care aides. The program will ensure that all graduates will have the knowledge and skills they need to be successfully employed in the health-care industry and that Albertans will continue to receive highquality delivery of health-care services.”
Tom Snell, president, Columbia College This innovative program ensures Alberta produces highly skilled graduates, while empowering more students to begin their education and rapidly launch their careers. The integrated and condensed training enables students to meet or exceed English language program requirements and graduate sooner. Upon graduation, students will have the knowledge and skills they need to be successful front-line caregivers, and the advanced language skills to communicate well with their colleagues, patients and families. This initiative provides new skill development opportunities, helps meet the demand for skilled workers and supports the COVID-19 public health response by increasing training capacity for front-line health-care workers.