WHITTIER – Rio Hondo College is seeking students between the ages of 18 and 23 for a free pilot program that will train them as personal home care aides and secure immediate employment for graduates in the entry-level health care field.

The course, which begins Wednesday, June 24, 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.

Students should hail from South East Los Angeles County.

The intensive 120-hour, hands-on course will cover all requirements needed to aid individuals who require personal care but desire to remain in their homes. Graduates 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 health 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 health care industry.

Students who wish to apply for enrollment should contact Mabel Meza, Career Development Specialist at SELACO, at (562) 484-5061 or at mabelm@selaco.com. Individuals in need of safe, reliable home health care assistance should call Cambrian at (877) 422-2270.

Media: To cover this program, contact Los Angeles Health Workforce Initiative Regional Director Shari Herzfeld at (562) 463-7004 or Business Liaison Tony Bell at (949) 412 3367.