Rare is the career path where the jobs span numerous sectors – and where the work itself simultaneously nurtures both the wallet and the soul.
Western Community College’s (WCC) Education Assistant diploma program is designed for prospective students who are interested in pursuing a meaningful career in education support.
Its broad-based appeal speaks to those who are passionate about education, inclusivity and child development, particularly those looking for a stable, flexible and purpose-driven career.
"As an educational assistant, you're constantly learning, too,” says Raman Sandhu, an education assistant program coordinator at WCC. “You learn to be compassionate, to be resilient, and to be endlessly patient. It's a role that shapes not only the lives of students, but your own as well."
The EA diploma program’s short duration, affordable fees and real-world training helps WCC help students gain the confidence, credentials and connections needed to thrive in today’s workforce, while giving employers access to a pipeline of job-ready talent.
Spread over 900 total program hours and 180 practice experience hours, the program instills patience, empathy, adaptability, teamwork and communication in its students – skills that are not only invaluable, but highly transferable towards numerous other careers as well.
In practical terms, the EA program helps learners acquire specialized knowledge and skills that are essential for addressing the diverse needs of students. It’s a role that requires a deep understanding of educational practices, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with both students and teachers.
Skills in behaviour intervention planning and execution are learned, along with techniques for supporting social, emotional and academic development
“WCC’s EA instructors bring hands-on experience in classroom support and special education settings,” says Nichole Loza, an education assistant program instructor at WCC. “Their real-life insights help students prepare for the emotional and practical realities of supporting diverse learners.”
Perhaps the program’s greatest strength is the vast number of options for grads. Jobs are available in both private and public school settings, in colleges and universities or in the private or public sectors.
A career in education support can be applied beyond the school classroom. “EAs can work with the Ministry of Children and Families in supporting the special needs of children and youth with respite care and fostering children,” says Loza .”There are also after-school programs, tutoring for centres such as Kumon and Mathnasium.”
There is also the option of community employment, where EAs can work for outside agencies in the capacity of a behavioural interventionists – and set their own hours.
In this role, EAs provide community involvement, outings and socialization. Community behavioural interventionists help those with special needs feel connected and included in their community while assisting with job training and employment.
According to Job Bank, the employment outlook for EAs in Metro Vancouver is rated "good" for the years 2024 to 2026, with labour shortages noted in recent years and more retirees than new entrants in the field.
WCC tracks high outcomes for EA grads, with most students securing roles within a few months of graduation. The college’s overall graduate employment rate currently sits at an astounding 97 per cent.
"Seeing a student master a skill they struggled with back in September brings a deep sense of fulfillment,” says Sandhu. “It’s a quiet reminder that you've made a difference.”
For more information on Western Community College’s education assistant diploma program, visit www.wcc.ca.
