Hands-on medical job training coming for the homeless
Local non-profit the Chapman Partnership and Miami-Dade County Public Schools are launching an apprenticeship program to provide hands-on medical training for the homeless.
On April 28, the Chapman Partnership and schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres commemorated National Apprenticeship Day with the launch of the Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician program, celebrating new career opportunities that offer Chapman residents, who are among the homeless, a pathway to financial independence through earning a living wage. The program will equip participants with valuable skills and certifications, opening doors to stable, long-term careers.
Chapman Partnership CEO Scott Hansel explained that the initiative emerged from their commitment to workforce development, aiming to equip residents with essential skills for Miami’s growing healthcare sector.
“By collaborating with local industry partners and local educational institutions, we recognized the opportunity to provide hands-on training that equips residents with essential skills for high-demand healthcare roles,” Mr. Hansel said.
Set to begin in late June, the apprenticeship program will span about one year,giving participants hands-on experience alongside seasoned healthcare professionals. The first cohort, expected to include 45 participants, will focus on medical assistant and pharmacy technician roles, laying the groundwork for future groups. Feedback from this initial cohort will help refine the program for subsequent groups, which will focus on nursing and automotive technician roles.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools will provide the educational backbone of the program, offering instructors and resources to ensure that training meets industry standards.
Meanwhile, Chapman Partnership will handle recruitment, coordination with healthcare partners, and ongoing support throughout the program.
Local healthcare providers, including Evolution MD, Kidney & Hypertension Specialists of Miami, and Med One, have partnered to offer mentorship and real-world training.
The initiative is designed not just as a training program but as a bridge to full-time employment.
“We aim to equip apprentices with the skills and certifications necessary to secure full-time jobs in the healthcare field,” Mr. Hansel said.
In addition to technical training, Chapman Partnership will offer career counseling and job placement services to help participants succeed long after completing the program.