May 11, 2026 | Manitoba

Education Assistants(EAs) play an important role in Manitoba classrooms by helping students participate, learn, communicate, and build confidence in school. This career can be a strong fit for people who enjoy working with children and youth, especially students who may need extra support with learning, behaviour, communication, personal care, or social development. 

This guide explains what the Education Assistant role involves, what Job Bank lists as typical employment requirements, and how a well-structured Education Assistant diploma program, like CDI College, can help students prepare for the field. 

What Does an Education Assistant Do in Manitoba? 

Job Bank Manitoba lists this occupation under NOC 43100: Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants. Education Assistants support students and assist teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks.  

Their work may include: 

• Helping with personal care  
• Teaching support  
• Behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other child care professionals.  

In practical terms, an Education Assistant may help students integrate into the classroom, support individuals or small groups with assignments, reinforce learning concepts, assist students with special needs, monitor student progress, and supervise students during school activities or field trips. 

What Skills Does an Education Assistant Need? 

Education Assistants need a mix of interpersonal, instructional, and practical support skills. Since they often support students with diverse learning needs, communication is one of the most important skills in the role. Education Assistants may communicate with students, teachers, parents, administrators, resource teachers, counsellors, and other members of the educational team. 

Important skills include: 

• Patience, empathy, and professionalism  
• Strong listening and observation skills  
• Ability to work as part of a team  
• Understanding of inclusive classroom support  
• Awareness of child and adolescent development  
• Knowledge of learning, behavioural, and communication differences  
• Comfort supporting students with personal care, life skills, or assistive technology needs  

How to Become an Education Assistant in Manitoba: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Step 1: Understand the Role and Requirements 

The first step is understanding what Manitoba employers typically expect from Education Assistants. The requirements for this occupation apply to Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants, NOC 43100.  

Job Bank lists the typical employment requirements as: 

• Completion of secondary school  
• Completion of a college program in teaching assistance, educational assistance, or another social science program  
• Specialized training and experience for those who help students with special needs  

This occupation is not regulated in Canada, which means requirements can vary by school division, employer, and specific position. However, completing a focused Education Assistant program can help students build the skills and confidence needed for classroom and student-support settings. 

Step 2: Complete an Education Assistant Training 

The next major step is completing training that prepares students for real classroom and student-support situations. CDI College’s 43-week Education Assistant diploma program at Winnipeg campus includes 700 instructional hours, and 240 practicum hours.  

Students study areas such as: 

• Foundations of inclusive education  
• Child and adolescent development  
• Communication and communicative disorders  
• Augmentative and alternative communication  
• Professional communication  
• Learning and behavioural differences  
• Autism spectrum disorder and applied behaviour analysis  
• Reading and math challenges  
• Mental health disorders  
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder support  
• Personal care and life skills  

This training helps students understand how to assist learners with academic, social, behavioural, communication, and personal care needs. It also helps students prepare to support inclusive classrooms under the direction of teachers and school teams. 

Plus, practicum is included within the Education Assistant diploma program: Education Assistant Practicum I and Education Assistant Practicum II. During practicum, students apply knowledge and skills from their courses in educational settings with individuals who have additional needs.  

Step 3: Build Practical Skills for Inclusive Classrooms 

Education Assistants are often part of a larger educational team. They may work with classroom teachers, resource teachers, administrators, counsellors, parents, and community professionals. For this reason, practical skills are just as important as classroom knowledge. 

CDI College’s education assistant training in areas such as inclusive education, child and adolescent development, professional communication, supporting learners, Picture Exchange Communication, learning and behavioural differences, teaching life skills, practicum, and alternative communication.  

Students may build practical skills in areas such as: 

• Supporting students in inclusive classroom settings  
• Assisting with individualized education plans  
• Using communication strategies and assistive technology  
• Supporting students with learning or behavioural differences  
• Helping students with life skills and personal care routines  
• Practising observation, reporting, and professional communication  
• Applying classroom support strategies during practicum  

These skills matter because every student’s needs are different. One student may need support with reading or math strategies. Another may need help with communication, emotional regulation, transitions, social skills, or personal care.  

A well-prepared Education Assistant understands how to support students respectfully while following the direction of the teacher and school team. 

Step 4: Complete Safety and Support Certifications 

Safety and student well-being are important parts of Education Assistant preparation. While Job Bank does not list a specific professional license for this occupation, CDI College’s program includes certifications that can help students prepare for school and community support settings.  

Graduates receive: 

• Education Assistant Diploma  
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Foundation Course  
• Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ and AED  
• ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training  

These certifications can help students recognize distress, respond calmly, support safety, and communicate appropriately during challenging situations. They also strengthen workplace readiness, especially roles involving students with complex behavioural, emotional, communication, or support needs.  

Step 5: Apply for Education Assistant Jobs in Manitoba 

After completing training, practicum, and relevant certifications, graduates can begin applying for Education Assistant positions in Manitoba. Job Bank lists related job titles such as educational assistant, educational resources assistant, homework assistant, remedial education aide, and special education assistant.  

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants may work in settings such as: 

• Public and private elementary schools  
• Public and private secondary schools  
• Special schools  
• Treatment centres  

When preparing a resume or interview answers, graduates can highlight: 

• Education Assistant diploma training  
• Practicum experience  
• Inclusive education knowledge  
• Communication and behavioural support skills  
• Personal care and life skills training  
• First aid, crisis intervention, and ASIST certifications  
• Experience supporting students with diverse needs  

Final Thoughts 

Becoming an Education Assistant in Manitoba starts with understanding the role, then building the right combination of training, practical experience, and workplace-ready skills. Job Bank identifies secondary school completion, college-level training, and specialized training and experience for those supporting students with special needs as typical requirements for the occupation. 

CDI College’s Education Assistant diploma program in Winnipeg supports that preparation by combining classroom learning, applied skills, certifications, and practicum experience. For students who want a career helping children and youth reach their potential, Education Assistant training can provide a focused path into meaningful work in schools and community settings across Manitoba.