In 2022, Boca Helping Hands expanded its Job Training Program by introducing three extended apprenticeship initiatives. These programs allow students to “earn while they learn,” imparting essential knowledge and skills in plumbing, electrical work, or Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technology. This expansion allows us to support a greater number of individuals, particularly those entering or re-entering the workforce.
Trina Chin Cheong, Director of Career Development and Financial Assistance, emphasized the pivotal role of vocational training in broadening career horizons. “As we expand our range of job training programs at BHH, vocational training is paramount,” she said. The demand for skilled trades is projected to last well beyond 2023, with the apprenticeship program offering increased opportunities in these fields.
Following the initial nine months of in-person education, each apprentice is now matched with a dedicated job mentor who can facilitate open dialogue and provide support, guidance, and networking options within the industry.
“In the second year of offering apprenticeships, we recognized the benefits students would gain from immediate mentorship,” said Chin Cheong. “By pairing students with mentors from the start of their studies, it enables them to fully leverage the potential of this mentorship dynamic.”
With apprenticeships lasting four years, having a mentor can help students plan their next steps and build the connections needed for future success in their fields. “Long-term job mentoring has been a highlight of my time with Boca Helping Hands,” said BHH HVAC Student Ronnie Ratliff. “I can now envision a future in this industry, and I’ve come to realize that it’s not only about what you know, but also who you know.”
