HCAP: A Pathway to a Care Aide Career

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) fully covers wages, tuition, and books during the accelerated 12 to 18-month program, which includes online and in-person training, as well as hands-on learning in both home support and long-term care. 

Upon completion, participants are eligible to register as Care Aides with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, qualifying them as health care assistants (HCAs) and providing a financially supported entry into long-term career growth at VCH.

Helping others and making a positive impact in people's lives has always been a priority for Shayyan Gill. His interest in the health care industry led him to study Clinical Psychology for a year at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. "I've always wanted to help people live more comfortable and meaningful lives," he says.

Recognizing that completing a psychology degree would take considerable time, Shayyan enrolled in HCAP with VCH to jumpstart his career in the health care field. "Being a Care Aide and a future Psychiatric Nurse brings meaning to my life and fills me with passion," he shares.

From learning labs to clinicals, Shayyan notes that the instructors at Vancouver Community College (VCC) were outstanding. "They always took the time to ensure we understood the subject matter, often sharing stories from their own experiences as HCAs and nurses," he says. "It was engaging to hear insights from those with firsthand experience."

Shayyan speaks highly of his HCAP experience, indicating that he learned a great deal in just a few months. "Despite having multiple assignments due on the same day, I never felt overwhelmed," he says. "The course material and organization were clear and easy to navigate, and the scheduling was manageable." He adds that the VCC campus was very welcoming and that all the HCA classes were entertaining and effective. 

Shayyan recently graduated and started working as a Care Aide at Minoru Residence in Richmond. "The work environment is safe, welcoming, and inclusive, accommodating individuals from diverse backgrounds," he shares. "Everyone at VCH is driven by purpose and goals, supported strongly by the organization's core values."

Shayyan enjoys many aspects of being a Care Aide telling us that the most essential part of his job is ensuring that the residents are safe, comfortable, and relaxed. He cherishes the small talk, hearing about their youth, interests, and life experiences, which often brings back fond memories. "I take great satisfaction in promoting independence and bringing a smile to a resident's face as they feel more in control of their body and themselves," he says. 

Shayyan tells us that the Minoru team consisting of other care aides, nurses, and support staff have all been encouraging from the start. "My coworkers are incredibly patient, so I rarely hesitate to ask questions."

Recognizing that each resident has unique preferences for their care, Shayyan says he continually works on honing his communication skills to ensure calm and effective interactions. He looks forward to working on different floors or with new residents, as this allows him to adjust and personalize his approach to meet each individual's unique needs and preferences. "Maintaining their dignity and independence is paramount," he says. 

Shayyan offers this advice to those thinking about joining HCAP: "If you're passionate about helping others and aspiring to advance in health care, then HCAP is for you. Here, you will find both ambition and purpose, all in one place."

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