A continuing care assistant says she’s grateful for the program that got her into the field.

Arlene Croft of Hammonds Plains is now working at Shannex, and was a member of the first graduating class of a pilot six-month CCA training program.

She says it helped her in many ways.

“It helped me improve my knowledge of the computer, it helped me learn the right way to do things and avoid the wrong way. It teaches you patience and understanding of others, and you’re not working by yourself, you’re working as a team,” said Croft.

Seventeen students recently completed the program, they had their books and tuition paid for, and a guaranteed job for two years at Shannex.

Croft says she’d highly recommend it.

“There is a lot of reading and assignments to do, but it’s well worth it. You learn so much. You have to be completely committed for six months.”

Previously, the training was eight months.

Seniors minister Barbara Adams says they are a welcome addition to the workforce, and they will deliver quality care to meet the needs of older Nova Scotians.