All five recent graduates of Sprott Shaw College's Health Care Assistant course completed their studies with honours.
Sprott Shaw satellite campus manager Diana Badke says these grads are now equipped with the skills and certification they need to obtain employment as a health care aid.
"It was very exciting to graduate our first group on Aug. 8."
Campus director Zola Goebel, and Diane Brummer both taught a two-week portion of the course and traveled from Penticton for a graduation celebration where Goebel presented the diplomas, she notes.
"Over 60 family and friends gathered to celebrate at a potluck barbeque held at Cheryl Walters' home in 108 Mile Ranch."
Badke says the grads will attend the official graduation ceremony (cap and gown) in Penticton in the Spring.
She adds other course instruction was provided by local practical nurses Sheryl Walters and Lisa Sparreboom, and Goebel also taught for two weeks, including the required FOODSAFE course.
"Students enjoyed having a variety of instructors that each brought their own specialty to the classroom."
Local clinical placement occurred over eight weeks and included Fischer Place, Mill Site, Carefree Manor and Home Support, Badke explains.
One of the recent grads, Nicola Dayman, says the program layout helped to ensure she had the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain work in the field.
"I have to say a huge thank you to my instructors, classmates and all the people who allowed me to learn beside them at Interior Health and Carefree Manor. Thank you for believing in me."
Badke says students typically pay for their education through student loans.
"Student Loans are fast and will typically cover all tuition costs, books and supplies. They can also include some living allowance, but this is different for each client."
She notes students sometimes obtain a personal loan or use registered savings plans to pay for their education.
The local college is set up to provide the course to as few as six students, Badke explains.
She adds Sprott-Shaw wants very much to hear from the community about what other courses they would like to see offered to prepare students for local work opportunities.
Badke notes other possible course options could include Medical Office Assistant, Early Childhood Education, International Hospitality Management and many more.