The new programs available are Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Drafting, and Carpentry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 median pay for architectural and civil drafters was $57,960, for HVAC/R technicians it was $50,590, and for carpenters, it was $49,520.
Classes for the new technical trade programs will begin in August. BHH is currently accepting applications for all three programs. Eligibility and application requirements can be found at bocahelpinghands.org/jtp.
"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 technical trade programs, BHH offers commercial driving, information technology, customer service, and healthcare-related programs such as home health aide, certified nursing assistant, and medical billing and coding. The Job Training Program not only provides career training but job mentoring and workplace soft skills.
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 also utilizes an Admissions and Care Coordinator to provide students with moral support and additional 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 Job Training Program applicants must first successfully complete the BHH Job Readiness program (which imparts workplace "soft skills" like time management, conflict resolution, customer service, and financial management) and meet with our Admissions and Care Coordinator, who determines if they need additional support.
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 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) student Cynthia F. "It's a breath of fresh air because I am able to start over. 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." Cynthia recently passed her CNA board exam and has been meeting with a BHH job mentor to secure employment.
More than 300 students have secured employment through the BHH Job Training and Job Mentoring programs over the last five 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, and The Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller of Florida, Inc.
