When Voven Espiritu began his journey at Western Community College, he knew he was on the right path.
“I opted for WCC because the tuition was affordable, and the program was offered online,” he explains. “It gave me the flexibility I needed while still preparing me for the classroom.”
Voven enrolled in the Education Assistant Diploma Program at Western Community College – a program designed to transform empathy and drive into a practical, rewarding career supporting students with diverse needs.
During his practicum, Voven got the opportunity to work directly with students living with a variety of disabilities. “I was able to put into practice what I had learned from my studies,” he says. “I had the chance to rub elbows with experienced education assistants and teachers who taught me a lot.”
Offered in a flexible format with full-time and part-time options – including weekday, evening and weekend classes – the program is built to accommodate busy lives. Students like Voven benefit from not only convenience, but from a curriculum rooted in the principles of inclusive education.
The coursework is comprehensive, covering everything from individualized education plans to behavioural supports, communication tools and the creation of safe, inclusive learning spaces. Students also gain over a dozen specialized certifications, including training in assistive technology, American Sign Language and behaviour management.
For Voven, the practicum experience brought everything together. “You have to apply patience, understanding, care and love – because you’ll be working with students who have different disabilities or special needs,” he shares. “As a student, you do assume your responsibility from the heart.”
Thanks to the program – and the mentorship he received along the way – Voven was hired before he even completed his final course.
“Before my last course ended, I was immediately hired,” he says. “I’m so thankful to the professor who believed in me. She brought out the best in me and encouraged me to work harder.”
The career outlook for Education Assistants in BC is strong, with a “Good” employment forecast through 2026 according to Job Bank Canada. This demand is fueled by investments in public education and school expansions across districts like Surrey, Burnaby and Coquitlam. Wages are competitive too – EAs in districts such as Surrey School District #36 earn between $34.03 and $36.37 per hour, with opportunities for additional wage adjustments in high-demand areas.
Graduates of the program are thriving, with a 97 per cent employment rate and career options such as education assistant, learning support worker, and behavioural interventionist in both public and private educational settings.
Admission is open to Grade 12 graduates and adult learners, with flexible options to demonstrate English proficiency.
But for many, like Voven, it’s the student-first environment that sets Western Community College apart. With small class sizes, supportive instructors and a clear focus on employment outcomes, students are set up to succeed from day one.
Whether you’re starting fresh or shifting careers, the Education Assistant Diploma Program at WCC offers a pathway into a career that makes a real difference.
Questions about a program?
Contact the Surrey campus at 604-594-3500 | info@wcc.ca. Or reach the Abbotsford campus at 604-776-1301 | abbyinfo@wcc.ca for information on enrolment, programs or student support.