Learn and earn! Government-supported paid training in 2025: Home Health Caregivers
In Canada, home caregivers are an important role that provides critical home care support to seniors, people with disabilities or chronic conditions. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the demand for home caregivers is expected to grow significantly between 2022 and 2031. To support the growth of this industry, the Canadian government supports paid training programs through federal and provincial programs. After completing training, the average hourly wage is 18-25 Canadian dollars per hour, and can reach up to 30 Canadian dollars per hour in nearby cities such as Toronto or Vancouver.
What are the government-supported paid training programs?
The Canadian government has provided paid training opportunities for home caregivers through a number of initiatives, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the nursing shortage. These programs are designed to reduce the economic barriers to training while quickly developing a qualified workforce. Here are a few major programs:
Federal Program: 2020 PSW Internship Training Program
In December 2020, the Canadian government invested 23.2 million Canadian dollars through Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) to launch a national training program with the goal of training approximately 4,000 PSW interns. The program includes: 6 weeks of online courses covering basic nursing skills and theoretical knowledge. 4 months of paid work internships, where participants gain practical experience in long-term care or home care environments.
British Columbia: Health Career Access Program (HCAP)
British Columbia's HCAP provides supported on-the-job training for applicants without a medical background, with the goal of training registered health care assistants. The program is supported by the provincial government and features: 12 to 18 months of training time, combining online learning, face-to-face courses and practical training. Participants receive full wages during training, and tuition and book costs are covered by the government. After completing training, you must serve in the public health system for at least one year. Graduates can register with the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry and become qualified home care workers.
Ontario: PSW Challenge Support
Ontario provides supporting for home care worker training through the PSW Challenge Support to attract more people to join this profession. Program highlights include: Up to $13,690 in supporting to cover tuition, textbooks and other expenses. Students receive a stipend during their internship, which is usually paid by their partner employer.
New Brunswick
The government provides tuition subsidies and covers transportation and living expenses. For example, Eastern College's 22-week Home Support Worker course is supported by provincial supports.
Toronto Region
The Ontario Works training program provides financial support to low-income people, including paid training opportunities for health care courses.
What are the benefits of choosing a government-supported paid training program?
✅ Low-cost education: Training costs are supported by the government, and participants receive wages or stipends during their studies.
✅ Practical experience: Quickly accumulate practical work experience through paid internships.
✅ Job security: After completing training, graduates are usually able to enter the job market quickly.
Salary level and employment opportunities
According to Canadian job market data (such as Job Bank and Indeed), the salary of home health care workers varies by region and experience, with an average hourly wage of about 18-25 Canadian dollars/hour, 15-18 Canadian dollars/hour at the low end (entry level) and 25-30 Canadian dollars/hour at the high end (experienced or in high-demand areas). Full-time annual salary is usually between 35,000 and 50,000 Canadian dollars.
Ontario (such as Toronto): 20-28 Canadian dollars/hour.
British Columbia (such as Vancouver): 19-26 Canadian dollars/hour.
Alberta: 18-25 Canadian dollars/hour.
Additional benefits: Some employers provide medical insurance, paid vacation or transportation subsidies.
The main way to get a job is to participate in a government-supported program: the Health Career Access Program (HCAP)** provides training and paid work opportunities in places like British Columbia to help people with no experience enter the industry. In addition,
Job Bank: The official job search website of the Canadian government, which lists health care worker positions across the country.
Indeed.ca and Workopolis.com: Display a large number of home care worker recruitment information.
How to Get Started
Follow the steps below and make the most of the resources available to you.
How to apply for government-supported paid training programs?
1️⃣ Research programs: Visit CICan, provincial workforce development websites (such as bc.gov.ca or ontario.ca), or local college websites to learn about the latest programs.
2️⃣ Confirm qualifications: Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, high school diploma or equivalent, and language proficiency (English or French) are usually required.
3️⃣ Application process: Submit an application through an online platform (such as Arrima or the college application center), and you may need to pay a small application fee (such as $95 in Ontario).
4️⃣ Contact the institution: Contact a community college (such as Humber College, Douglas College) or local health authorities for specific information.
Real Case: From Retail Clerk to Home Caregiver (Vancouver)
Mary, a 32-year-old single mother in Vancouver, used to work as a part-time clerk in a retail store, earning only $15 per hour. In 2022, Mary applied for and was successfully selected for the HCAP program and began an 18-month training. During this period, Mary worked 30 hours a week and received a salary of $22 per hour, while learning nursing skills and elderly care knowledge. In early 2024, Mary completed the training, officially registered as a health care assistant, and signed a home care agency. She now earns about $45,000 a year. She said with emotion: "This program not only gave me a career, but also allowed me to set an example for my children. I feel that I finally have a future."
The Canadian government-supported paid home caregiver training program provides unique opportunities for those who want to enter the medical industry. Through low-cost education and paid internships, participants can gain skills and income without incurring debt. With an aging society, the future of this career looks bright. If you are passionate about helping others and looking for a stable career, explore these programs and take the first step towards a career.