Become a CCA in just six months!
Ready to start your career as a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA)? The six-month CCA Program provides eligible Nova Scotians with a career with room to grow.
Shannex is partnering with the Government of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to meet our communities’ need for more elder care. Having the right teams of Great People is crucial to providing great care. Continuing Care Assistants are essential members of our care team – and we need more.
The CCA program provides free tuition, textbooks, an allowance and two years of guaranteed employment when you graduate.
September 2024 classes are now full! Stay up to date on the next classes available.
About the Program
From day one, selected program participants will be hired as Shannex employees while enrolled as NSCC students in the six-month skills development program. Learning will take place in the classroom with required hours of hands-on training in Shannex communities. Students who will benefit from a CCA curriculum, achieving the same learning outcomes as the traditional program but in a shorter time.
Program Eligibility
Investing in yourself and your future is exciting! And we’re here to help make it easier! To be a candidate for the program, you must:
- Reside in Nova Scotia as a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident (or entitled to work in Canada as a protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act).
- Be able to participate fully in the six-month program from start to finish (full-time, 35 hours a week), and sign a two-year Return-of-Service Agreement with Shannex (working in HRM).
- Have been either actively looking for work, working full-time, working part-time while actively looking for full-time work, or working as a self-employed person in the last 12 months.
- Require skills training to find a job, keep a job, improve your employment situation and/or fully participate in the workforce.
- Have a high school diploma/GED.
- Want to be a CCA; providing personal care and assistance to residents living in long term care.
If you don’t meet the eligibility for this program, there are still many ways to grow your career with us!
A Day in the Life of a CCA
At Shannex, skilled and compassionate CCAs work with purpose as a critical part of our care team providing personal care and assistance with activities of daily living. This can include:
- Dressing and bathing
- Eating and feeding
- Walking
- Moving into and out of a bed or chair
While taking a resident-directed approach to care, CCAs are considered an extension of a resident’s family, spending quality time each day in conversations and activities that builds trust, joy and lifelong connection.
Ready to Apply?
The program will provide eligible candidates with guaranteed employment, skills and financial support.
- Eligible candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment by Shannex.
- Selected candidates with an offer letter from Shannex, you will also receive information and directions on how to apply for:
- Admission to the NSCC CCA Program
- A Living Allowance through Employment Nova Scotia
Applications for September 2024 classes are now closed! Sign up for updates on the next classes available!
Still Considering Your Options?
With operations and new developments across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, now is a great time to explore a career of meaningful work in a place where Great People go far!
Stay Connected to hear about program announcements, job fairs, contests, and future opportunities by creating your Great People Profile.
Why Choose Shannex?
With more than 35 years as a trusted provider of quality accommodations, services, and care to seniors, Shannex is built on a foundation of Great People and exceptional service. We design, build and operate communities known for their bright, beautiful spaces, extra wide hallways, new equipment and a Philosophy of Service that recognizes we work in a place residents call home. Every member of our team, including our valued CCAs, takes a resident-directed approach to care.
Want us to email you when a job opportunity matches your interests? Visit our job portal and sign up for job alerts at the top of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the program start?
Learning will take place in Clayton Park (Halifax) starting in September. On-the-job training will take place at one of Shannex’s long-term care communities.
What are the hours of class?
Program participants will have a full-time commitment of 7-hours of class a day, or 35 hours of in-class learning a week. The schedule will be finalized in late summer.
Will I get a job right out school?
Participants who successfully graduate the program as a certified CCA will seamlessly transition to a full-time position at one of Shannex’s long term care communities in Metro Halifax.
