Rio Hondo offering free training for personal care aides

Photo courtesy Rio Hondo College

WHITTIER -- Rio Hondo College is launching a free pilot program that will train students as personal home care aides and assist them in securing immediate employment in the entry-level health care field.

The 120-hour course, which begins Wednesday, July 8, is being offered through a unique collaboration among Rio Hondo College, the South East Los Angeles County (SELACO) Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and health care employer Cambrian Homecare.

“This special career-oriented training program is a great example of the partnerships Rio Hondo College pursues to benefit our students,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss. “We know there isn’t one direct path to success for all students. This program offers an entry-level opportunity in a highly dynamic field that could form the basis for a lifetime career.”

Classes run Wednesdays through Saturdays for the hands-on course, which covers all requirements needed to aid individuals who require personal care but desire to remain in their homes. Students completing the course will be certified by Rio Hondo College and will immediately begin on-the-job training with Cambrian Homecare.

Students will pay no fees for the class or required background checks.

Home care is a bourgeoning field with a need for skilled aides estimated to be growing at 15 percent a year. The field is an ideal entry point for a variety of health care paths, providing students with foundational skills.

The course will include information about next-step opportunities in the home care industry.