The new programs available are Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Drafting, and Carpentry.
"As we broaden our scope of job training programs offered at BHH, vocational training is a key component to offering more diverse career opportunities," said Trina Chin Cheong, Boca Helping Hands Director of Programs. "Labor industry trends indicate that trades are in demand and will continue to increase way beyond 2021. We hope to address the need by increasing opportunities through our vocational training programs."
Applicants to the BHH Job Training Program can now choose between nine career paths. In addition to the three new construction trade programs, BHH offers commercial driving, information technology, customer service, and healthcare related programs such as home health aide, certified nursing assistant (CNA), and medical billing and coding. The Job Training Program not only provides career training but also job mentoring, instruction in workplace soft skills, and other support.
BHH's holistic, "one-stop-shop" approach to job training and combating poverty is unique in South Florida. It helps unemployed clients find work and employed clients keep their jobs while building skills for long-term success. The Job Training Program utilizes an Admissions and Care Coordinator to provide students with moral support and connect them with wraparound services if needed, such as vouchers for healthcare, supplemental food, funding to help employed parents afford childcare, or emergency financial assistance. This additional support increases their chances of successfully completing their programs and obtaining jobs to sustain themselves and their families.
All newly admitted Job Training students must first successfully complete BHH Job Readiness. This one-week course imparts workplace soft skills like time management, conflict resolution, customer service, and financial management.
After completing Job Readiness and their vocational training courses, Job Training graduates receive personalized assistance from volunteer job mentors. Job mentors help with conducting job searches, filling out applications, writing and updating resumes, developing and revising cover letters, and preparing for interviews.
“This is a life-changing opportunity," said CNA Student Cynthia F. "It's a breath of fresh air because I am able to start over.”
Cynthia recently passed her CNA state board exam and has been meeting with a BHH job mentor to secure employment. “I feel like I've been stagnant for so long, and now for this to be the first step, it's letting me know that everything will be okay," she said.
Despite a hiring slowdown earlier in the pandemic, more than 250 clients have secured employment through the BHH Job Training and Job Mentoring programs over the last three years.
Supporters of the Boca Helping Hands Job Training Program include the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, The Goldberg Family Foundation, and The Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller of Florida, Inc.
