YWCA Discover
YWCA Discover is a free, full-time, 51-week PBLMT Training Program for self-identifying women, delivered by YWCA Metro Vancouver, Sprott Shaw College and WorkBC. It will provide participants with the skills and competencies they need for a career as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE).
- Develop a broad range of skills through the study and practice of certified courses in order to develop and lead daily age-appropriate activities for children aimed to help promote social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development
- Learn to observe children and communicate professionally, when appropriate, children’s progress and/or needs with parents, other staff members and individuals involved with the child’s development
- Upon graduation, be eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Education Basic certification from the Ministry of Education and Child Care
- Be provided with a variety of practicum placements. This experience within a licensed child care setting enables the practicum supervisor to observe the student in a practice situation while providing the student with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to the chosen career field
This training is provided in partnership with Sprott Shaw College, which is a member of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC).
Participants may be eligible to receive up to $650 weekly in living supports.
- Self-identifying women
- 19+ years old as of February 16, 2026
- Currently on EI, or had an EI claim in the last five years, or earned more than $2,000 in insurable earnings and paid employee EI premiums on those earnings in at least 5 of the last 10 years, or a British Columbia Employment and Assistance (BCEA) client
- Currently residing in Metro Vancouver with Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident (PR) status
- Able and willing to complete a clear Criminal Record Check
- Able and willing to demonstrate English language proficiency
Further admissions criteria apply. Priority will be given to residents of Surrey who are immigrants, and/or survivors of violence, and/or facing multiple barriers to employment.
Courses will be provided virtually by Sprott Shaw College. Practicums will be in-person at various locations in Metro Vancouver.
Training begins: February 16, 2026
Applications open: December 1, 2025
Applications close: January 2, 2026 at 4 PM
Please note: All applicants must be registered with a WorkBC Centre and have a WorkBC Case Manager. If you are not currently registered with WorkBC, click here to find and contact your nearest WorkBC Centre.
YWCA Discover
Contact: discover@ywcavan.org
Office Hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
