Expanding health

People facing multiple barriers to employment are gaining the skills, work experience and support they need to prepare for careers in health-care administration in northern B.C. through a new free training program.

The Helping Hands project is delivered by Kopar Administration Ltd. in partnership with the College of New Caledonia and combines occupational skills training, industry-recognized certifications and workplace experience to help participants prepare for entry-level administrative careers in health care.

“We want people to have the support they need to find in-demand jobs and build stronger futures for themselves and their families,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “In partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re investing nearly $600,000 to deliver hands-on training and work experience for people facing barriers to employment, including in health care.”

In partnership with the Government of Canada, funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the Province is investing nearly $600,000 in the Helping Hands project.

“Health-care administrators are vital members of our health-care teams,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “Through the Helping Hands program, in partnership with the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, participants will gain the in-demand skills and confidence they need to pursue new opportunities and make a meaningful difference in their communities.”

Supporting pathways to employment

The Helping Hands project will support as many as 30 participants through two intakes and is designed for people facing barriers to employment, including Indigenous people, young adults, youth at risk and survivors of violence.

The project also helps local employers connect with these job-ready candidates and build the workforce needed to support communities throughout northern B.C.

“After recently being diagnosed with a physical disability, I had no idea what was next for me,” said Danielle Siverston, a Helping Hands participant. “Being involved with Kopar has helped me to feel and see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am on my way to learning the skills I need to be able to move forward with a new career.”

Building skills for long-term careers in health care

Participants will take part in a full-time program that combines employment-readiness training, occupational skills development and workplace experience. The 25-week program includes:

Participants will earn certifications, including:

Two cohorts will be delivered during the project term:

Employers help build the health-care workforce

Health-care, community-service and related employers are invited to host participants for a two-week practicum placement.

Practicum placements provide participants with valuable opportunities to work in health-care settings while helping match employers with job-ready candidates and addressing the needs of the labour market.

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Health –

“Health-care administrators play an important role in helping people access care and supporting health-care teams. Projects like Helping Hands help people build skills for rewarding careers while supporting employers in northern B.C. with the workforce they need.”

Ken Newell, operations manager, Kopar Administration Ltd. –

“Many people face barriers to gaining the skills and experience needed to start a new career. Through Helping Hands, participants receive training, certifications and workplace experience that prepare them for health-care administration roles. The project helps people build confidence, connect with employers and move closer to sustainable employment.”

Bruce McKay, vice-president academic, College of New Caledonia –

“Many people are looking for pathways into rewarding careers, and employers need skilled workers to meet growing workforce demands. Through Helping Hands, participants gain practical training, industry-recognized certifications and workplace experience in health-care administration. The project helps prepare people for employment while supporting the health-care workforce in northern B.C.”