Summary

• People facing barriers to employment in Prince George are gaining skills, certifications and work experience to prepare for careers in health-care administration through the Helping Hands project
• Funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, nearly $600,000 is being invested in the project through WorkBC’s Community and Employer Partnerships Project-Based Labour Market Training stream
• 30 participants will benefit from the training and applications are now open for the next intake Nov. 9, 2026

__________

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:

• four weeks of essential and employability skills training
• 16 weeks of occupational skills training
• two weeks of job-search skills training
• two weeks of on-the-job work experience
• one week of followup employment support

The training includes:

• medical terminology and medical office procedures
• medical billing basics
• health-care communication and interpersonal skills
• Indigenous cultural safety
• infection control awareness
• mental-health and substance-use awareness
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams and digital office skills
• workplace readiness and job-search skills

Participants will earn certifications, including:

• Basic First Aid
• WHMIS
• FOIPPA Foundations
• Workplace Health and Safety Orientation
• Infection Control Awareness
• Indigenous Cultural Safety
• Safer Spaces Training

Two cohorts will be delivered during the project term:

• Cohort 1: July 20, 2026, to Jan. 22, 2027
• Cohort 2: Nov. 9, 2026, to May 14, 2027

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.

Quotes:

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.”

Quick Facts:

• Nearly $600,000 is being invested in Prince George on this project.
• As many as 30 participants will earn industry-recognized certifications and workplace experience.
• Applications are open for the next intake Nov. 9, 2026.

Learn More:

• To apply for the Helping Hands program, or attend an information session, visit koparadmin.ca/application, or contact a local WorkBC centre.
• Employers interested in hosting a practicum placement can contact Kopar Administration Ltd. at: helpinghands@koparadmin.ca.
• For information about the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/training-agreements/lmda.html
• To learn about WorkBC’s Project-Based Labour Market Training, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/employers-industry/funding-programs/community-and-employer-partnerships/project-based-labour-market
• To learn about government-funded training projects for people facing barriers to employment, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026SDPR0010-000362