‘Saved my life’: WorkBC care aide forge path to fulfilling career

One year into her new career as a health care assistant, after a lifetime of working in restaurants, Candace Shaw said anything is possible if you put in the effort and have the right people in your corner.

Now a care aide at a Vernon retirement facility, Candace’s journey started while waiting tables. One day, after serving several nurses and care aides, it clicked: she was destined for a career in health care. She tried to go down a new path in the past, but she always ended up back where she started. This time, she knew exactly where to go.

“I knew I needed to ask for help. I went into the WorkBC office, and everything was a whirlwind from there,” said Candace. “The team was spectacular.”

Before stepping into the office, Candace had narrowed her options down to two paths. One: become a veterinary assistant and spend her days caring for and helping to treat animals, or two: play a vital role in seniors’ lives as a health care assistant at a retirement facility.

With the help of WorkBC Centre Vernon, Candace was connected to an employment advisor. She worked one-on-one with her case manager and through a series of online workshops before deciding on a path and getting accepted into school.

“They were super supportive with regular emails and check-ins,” said Candace. “They helped me get into the Health Care Assistant Certificate program at Okanagan College and even paid my bills while I was studying. I didn’t know that they would be able to help me pay for my schooling. I would never have been able to do it on my own. Because of WorkBC, I’m finally a care aide.”

After Candace graduated from school, WorkBC also helped her purchase scrubs and new shoes for work.

Now settled in her role at the Creekside Landing assisted living facility, Candace couldn’t be happier. She’s working with amazing and caring people and sees the impact of her work every single day.

“When I got into being a care aide, I was told by my coworkers that it takes about a year to really start feeling comfortable taking care of people in this way,” said Candace. “It’s been more than a year now and I love it, I love what I do.” Candace said, it’s all thanks to WorkBC and having the courage to put her hand up and ask for help.

“WorkBC saved my life. I left high school at 17, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I was 44. I feel blessed that WorkBC helped me find my path,” said Candace.

“I hope that people who want to change their life just try. I tried to start a new career five or six years ago, and it didn’t work out, but I didn’t give up. WorkBC saw something in me and gave me a chance. Now, I love what I do,” said Candace. If you’re willing to put in the time and energy, you might learn something about yourself.”

If you or someone you know is looking for support finding meaningful employment, we’re here to help. Reach out to WorkBC by phone at 250-545-2215 or visit us online at workbccentre-vernon.ca.