In 2021, Boca Helping Hands expanded its educational and job training scope to include three apprenticeship programs through the Associated Builders and Contractors Institute (ABC) - a national construction industry trade association representing over 22,000 members.
Students have the chance to partake in a rigorous four-year apprenticeship studying electrical, plumbing, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), where they'll be connected with registered contractors throughout South Florida while learning the tools of the trade. Since launching the program we have had 27 students begin their apprenticeships.
This year, ABC Institute introduced its new Ready, Set, Build Program aimed at recent high school graduates who might want to explore their options before committing to a four-year study.
The Ready, Set, Build program offers 91.5 hours of pre-apprenticeship training for work-ready adults. In the program, participants are provided an OSHA 10 safety card, a starter tool set, PPE equipment, entry-level construction training, and assistance in job placement. The pre-apprenticeship approach allows students to sample three different types of construction work that they can then pursue a full apprenticeship in if they are interested.
“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 BHH Director of Career Development and Financial Assistance Trina Chin Cheong.
BHH is happy to continue to grow its partnership with ABC Institute to offer new programs and opportunities to the community.
