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The Education Assistant Certificate with Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate Workshops provides a comprehensive package to prepare participants for work as Education Assistants or Indigenous Education Support Workers in schools as part of an educational team. These positions work under the instructional supervision of classroom teachers and School District administrators while supporting the learning and independence of children who benefit from additional assistance in meeting their educational goals.

The Indigenous-led workshops will center traditional knowledge through meaningful cultural activities, strengthening connections to traditions, community and identity. By fostering accessible career pathways and increasing Indigenous representation, the program supports economic empowerment, self-determination, and the preservation and celebration of Indigenous culture.

Education Assistant Certificate

Prepares learners to work as Education Assistants in schools as part of the educational team.

• Learners are introduced to the role of Education Assistants in the classroom.
• Topics include general educational principles, education and child development, translating and supporting behaviour, implementing and integrating curriculum, issues in education, and technology in education.

Indigenous Community Support Worker Courses

Relevant courses from the Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate will augment the Education Assistant learning and enhance the employability of learners to apply for Indigenous student support roles and community support worker roles. The Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate was developed by a team of Indigenous content matter experts in extensive consultation with representatives from local Indigenous community health and social development and education department representatives, and employment service providers and community support workers in the field.

• Successful completion of these courses will provide credit into the Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate.
• These courses include:
  • Social Determinants within Indigenous Communities
  • Introduction to Indigenous Traditional Knowledge Systems
  • Health, Safety, and Wellness
  • Group Facilitation

Additional Industry-Recognized Certifications

• FoodSafe
• Occupational First Aid
• Mental Health First Aid
• Crisis Intervention and Violence Prevention

Employability and Work Search Strategies

Employability Workshops

• Workshops in resume writing and cover letters, job search strategies, interview skills, and job readiness preparation.
• Connections to industry through guest speakers, education leaders, and potential employers.

Work Experience

• Ten-week work placement with local public and private schools to employ learned skills in a supervised relevant position.

• BC secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes
• English 12 with minimum 60% or .
• A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. 91̽»¨'s admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

There is a strong need for Education Assistants in B.C. Over the next 10 years, about 7,100 jobs are expected to open up—mostly because current workers are retiring. In the Thompson-Okanagan region, this job is growing faster than anywhere else in the province.

This program focuses on helping you become an Education Assistant. You’ll also take extra courses that can prepare you for Indigenous student support roles, which are also in demand.

You’ll have the option to transfer your learning into another program called the Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate. This can lead to jobs as a Community Support Worker, where about 15,000 jobs are expected to open in the next 10 years. This is considered a high-opportunity career, with steady job growth.

Job titles and requirements can vary. Some positions may have different names or need different levels of education. It’s a good idea to check your local school district’s job postings to see what’s available and what qualifications are needed.

There is no cost for tuition or to register for the Educational Assistant with Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate Workshops.

Foundational learning will be delivered online and supplemented with hands-on, in-person components for practical training and cultural activities each Friday. Locations TBD, and travel may be required.

Participants eligible to receive training must:

• Have an active Employment Insurance (EI) claim, or had an EI claim that ended within the past 60 months; or earned over $2,000 in insurable income and paid EI premiums in at least 5 of the last 10 years; or be a client of British Columbia Employment Assistance (BCEA), whether PWD (Person with Disabilities) or non-PWD, and
• Be eligible for WorkBC Case Management and be referred by a WorkBC Case Manager.

For assistance or to verify your eligibility, please contact your local WorkBC office:

• Salmon Arm: 250-804-4770
• Vernon: 25-545-2215 ext. 230
• Kelowna: 778-738-0225
• Penticton: 1-833-313-0547
• Merritt: 250-378-5151

To start the eligibility process, please apply to WorkBC Services. Note that this process can take approximately 4 weeks, so we recommend starting this process as soon as possible.

1. Visit the WorkBC website:
2. Ensure that you have a secure ID for signing in – this can either be a BC Services Card or Basic BCeID
3. Register or sign in to the WorkBC Online Employment Services (OES) – provide the required personal information, and select a service you wish to apply for
4. Complete your application for the selected service.

For assistance or to verify your eligibility, please contact your local WorkBC office:

• Salmon Arm: 250-804-4770
• Vernon: 250-545-2215 ext. 230
• Kelowna: 778-738-0225
• Penticton: 1-833-313-0547
• Merritt: 250-378-5151