By Troy Gillard

two-year pilot

RDC joins initiative to reduce language barriers for health-care training

Feb 18, 2021 | 5:19 PM

Red Deer College is part of a new initiative aimed at helping Albertans with language barriers gain the skills they need to build careers and support the province’s health-care system.

The provincial government says in a release that 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,” says Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education. “This is great news for students, our health-care system, and the many Albertans who will benefit from the high-quality care these graduates will provide.”

The provincial 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. The province says a successful pilot will also provide a model to expand integrated English language training to other programs and professions.

“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,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, RDC President. “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.”

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Upon graduation, the province says 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.

The province says post-secondary institutions have raised concerns that the English language requirements of the health-care aide program were preventing many learners from accessing the program.

Four post-secondary institutions from across the province (RDC, Bow Valley College in Calgary, Columbia College in Calgary and NorQuest College in Edmonton) are participating in the pilot program and will begin accepting up to 130 students in the first year, with training starting in March. An additional 194 students are expected in the second year, for a total of 324 students.

Students participating in the pilot will be fully funded through the Learner Income Support Program.