GLACE BAY, N.S. — Brian Morrison’s life has changed for the better since completing the Futureworx CCA program in September.
Futureworx Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people in Nova Scotia realize their potential and succeed in all aspects of their lives. The organization helps people develop career skills and find meaningful employment through training programs like the one for continuing care assistants.
Unlike other provincially recognized continuing care assistant programs, Futureworx students don’t pay tuition and classes take place in a long-term care facility.
Morrison is a graduate of the first continuing care assistant program at Seaview Manor in Glace Bay, which took place from Oct. 2018-Sept. 2019. Originally from Ontario, Morrison moved to Glace Bay 15 years ago and said he was struggling to find steady employment, when he saw a Facebook posting about the Futureworx program.
“When I got laid off (from a company he worked for in western Canada) … I couldn’t get a job to save my life,” said the 42-year-old.
“I was treated like any outsider would be. My resume said Toronto, Toronto, Toronto, out west… Who wants to hire someone with a resume like that in Cape Breton? They’re probably thinking as soon as something else comes along, he’ll go back out west or move back home (to Ontario).”
Applying for jobs and not getting calls for interviews was “disheartening” and Morrison said he started thinking about more training when he saw the posting at the “perfect time.”
“The program was amazing. (The instructors) were there for you every step of the way. The support you get is great. It’s hard enough going back to school as a mature student. They made it easier,” Morrison said.
“The class became as close as a family. You have all these different people there, from different backgrounds. I remember the first day thinking, 'who am I going to hang out with' … I ended up hanging out with everyone.”
Classes are generally small with 10 students and tuitions are covered by bursaries, thanks to Futureworx funders like Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advance Education, the Department of Community Services and the Counselling Foundation of Canada.
Students only have to pay a $400 admission fee which covers the cost of their provincial exams and approximately $150 for textbooks.
Karla Gilmet, a former teacher, who enrolled in the 2019-20 CCA class at Seaview, said the low cost was a big draw.
“When I came back (from working out of province), teaching wasn’t that plentiful, so it was feast or famine. You either have lots of days subbing or you have none. I didn’t want to be relying on unemployment for my life,” she explained.
“(With the Futureworx program) I didn’t have to worry about student loans and that was huge. I just finished paying off my student loans from teaching. I don’t want anymore.”
Like Morrison, Gilmet praised her classmates and teacher, Rhonda Gaudette, as well as the staff and clients at Seaview Manor.
"We learn something new everyday and we get to spend some time with some really amazing folks here," she said. "It's lovely."
Seaview Manor isn't the only long-term care facility with a Futureworx training program. The first on the island to partner with the organization in 2015 was Inverness Manor, which still has a training program. There is also a program happening in St. Peter's and in the past Futureworx has held CCA programs in Neils Harbour. Currently there are seven active programs across the province, including the original location in Truro which started in 1986.
"We understand not everyone can come up with tuition costs at the other colleges (which can start at $3,500 depending on the institution) ... which is why we offer the training for free, thanks to our funders," said Futureworx CCA project manager Helen DeYoung, who has also been an instructor with the program.
FUTUREWORX
- What: Non-profit dedicated to helping people develop career skills
- Founded: 1984
- Offers: Tuition-free, hands-on training
- Courses include: Certified care assistant, hospitality/food service, environmental services
- Website: futureworx.ca
- Phone: 902-481-9296
Calling the program a "win-win" for students who learn the skills and get work placements in home care as well as nursing homes and for the employers who get first pick of students who intern with them, DeYoung said it's "a good feeling" watching people reach career goals.
"We're pretty damn proud of the partnerships we have, and the students who go through our program."
Eric Doucette, CEO of Seaview Manor, is also singing the praises of the program.
"Continuing care assistants are in demand right across the province and the need is felt right here at home in Glace Bay and the surrounding areas. Whether the students choose to remain at Seaview Manor or choose to work in home care, we all benefit from having local residents trained to deliver compassionate and quality care to our most valued treasures ... our love ones,” he said.
“It is our intention, with partner support, to make another application for funding to run another (Futureworx) CCA training program next year."
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