A new report from the (糖心视频ERO) emphasizes the crucial role of the 糖心视频 Community Colleges鈥� Good Jobs Hawaiʻi (GJH) program in successfully placing residents into high-demand, higher-paying careers. The preliminary analysis by Rachel Inafuku provides more evidence that these targeted training programs are helping families combat Hawaiʻi’s persistent, high cost of living.

“Consistent with the , average real quarterly wages for [Good Jobs Hawaiʻi] completers were more than $2,000 higher two quarters after program completion than two quarters prior,” the report said. This increase demonstrates how these short-term programs are creating essential earning power.

Higher healthcare earnings

The most dramatic gains were found among those who transitioned into a new field after training. In healthcare, the largest GJH pathway, participants who switched from non-healthcare industries—such as retail or food services—saw their average quarterly earnings rise by more than $5,500 two quarters after completion. This amounts to an annualized earnings increase of $22,000 for workers entering a sector with sustained high demand due to Hawaiʻi’s aging population.

Significant gains for skilled trades

Similarly, skilled trades completers realized significant wage gains, earning roughly $2,600 more per quarter post-program. Employment patterns for this group also shifted away from lower-wage sectors and toward construction, manufacturing and public administration, aligning with the state’s thriving construction industry and its well-above-average wages.

Smaller increases for tech

Outcomes varied by sector. Technology students—many of whom were mid-career workers with pre-program earnings higher than the average GJH student—experienced smaller wage increases and more modest changes in industry placement.

Read more 糖心视频 News Good Jobs Hawaiʻi stories

Overall, these findings highlight how post-training earnings trajectories reflect both the specific skills acquired and the broader structure of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 labor market.

Inafuku said, “As Hawaiʻi continues to face a high demand for workers in critical sectors alongside persistent cost-of-living pressures, workforce programs that align training with industry needs can address both challenges—placing workers in more stable, higher-paying jobs while helping employers meet demand.”

糖心视频ERO is housed in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

Hawaiʻi residents are invited to hone high-demand creative industry skills with two production courses set for spring 2026, offered through the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges鈥� initiative, in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division.

On-set safety, support for productions

Participants in foundational safety will learn specialized protocols, proficiencies and on-set practices for working with scaffolding, aerial lifts, forklifts and more鈥攁ll key to supporting production needs and obtaining related unionized jobs in the industry. Space is limited, and for Level 1 training beginning January 12, 2026, at . Level 2 training will follow, after necessary Level 1 conditions are met.

Level 1 training will consist of five courses with 72 hours of instruction including scaffolding erection, fall protection, aerial lifts, OSHA 10 and CRP/First Aid/AED certifications. Once the first course bundle is successfully completed, an interview with a local entertainment industry partner will be scheduled.

If the participant is hired, union membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees commences after 30 days of employment and the employed individual will be funded to progress to Level 2 training, including scaffolding use and telehandler certification. Instruction is offered across a variety of days and times to maximize community accessibility to the courses. Fully trained and employed unionized workers can expect to earn between $50–150 per hour.

“Good Jobs Hawaiʻi is expanding real opportunities for residents to enter well-paying, in-demand careers, and these courses show how the 糖心视频 Community Colleges can quickly respond to the evolving needs of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 creative sector,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges. “By offering accessible training that leads to industry-recognized certifications and union eligibility, we鈥檙e helping local talent build long-term careers and supporting a stronger, more resilient economy for Hawaiʻi.”

Course dates for foundation safety Level 1 run January 12–February 7, 2026, with a tuition cost of $1,610. Level 2 tuition is $465. Eligible students can qualify to receive 100% tuition support. To apply and learn more, visit the or email questions to goodjobs@hawaii.edu.

More on Good Jobs Hawaiʻi

A variety of free and low-cost training classes are also available to explore across fields such as education, technology, skilled trades and healthcare, that can help open doors to jobs, paid internships and apprenticeships. More than 6,000 residents throughout the state have enrolled in specialized training classes since the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi program launched in 2023. Learn more at the .

Free training classes for spring 2026 are now open for registration through the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges鈥� initiative, offering residents a direct pathway to higher-paying careers. These training programs provide individuals the chance to upskill and earn industry certifications in high-demand sectors, including technology, healthcare, skilled trades and education, leading to good jobs, paid internships and apprenticeship pathways.

To ensure accessibility, more than $1 million in funding is available. The program is free for most eligible participants, providing a 100% tuition subsidy to cover course costs and associated training expenses, such as industry certification exam fees. Every participant also receives support from a Good Jobs Hawaiʻi Navigator, who offers one-on-one assistance, career advising, connections to employers, and referrals to community partners.

The program has already demonstrated significant financial benefits for participants. Since its launch in 2023, more than 6,000 residents statewide have enrolled. A preliminary analysis by the 糖心视频 Economic Research Organization found that program completers saw notable increases in earnings and moved into higher-paying industries within six months of finishing the training. On average, completers earned $1,800 more per quarter—about $7,200 more per year—compared to non-completers.

“Good Jobs Hawaiʻi has already made a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of residents,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “Participants are not only gaining new skills, but they are moving into higher-paying jobs, earning significantly more, and accessing greater career opportunities. These outcomes translate directly into improved quality of life for individuals, families and communities across our state.”

For those interested in high-growth fields, trainings starting in January 2026 include network technician, security analyst, electrician, optometry assistant and landscape technician.

To apply online for current trainings or to learn more visit

A ‘game changer’

“Good Jobs Hawaiʻi has been a game changer for our local IT workforce,” said Vanessa Rogers, vice president of workforce development at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi. “Programs like the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ pathways give residents stackable credentials that not only help them secure their first IT job but also position them for advancement into cybersecurity and network administration roles. Whether you’re just starting out or already working in the IT field, we encourage anyone interested in IT to take advantage of these free trainings and continue to upskill.”

“Good Jobs Hawaiʻi is helping residents upskill and secure living wage work,” said Amy Asselbaye, executive director of the City and County of Honolulu鈥檚 Office of Economic Revitalization. “Through programs like this, we鈥檙e strengthening our workforce and creating pathways for every person to prosper.”

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided an update on the most recent federal policy changes that include Pell Grants. She discussed next steps to address the strategic plan and highlighted several bright spots across the 糖心视频 campuses, at the July 17 Board of Regents monthly meeting held at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

Hensel also honored Willard Wilson Award winner Professor Robert Toonen. Read more about his valued contributions to 糖心视频 and the community.

• Update on federal developments ()
• Financial reserves consolidated ()
• 18-month action plan ()
• New tool for wildfire drought and climate summaries ()
• Response and ongoing advocacy ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 QS ranking ()
• N膩 H艒k奴 Hanohano award for 糖心视频 Maui College ()
• New jobs and salary gains through Good Jobs Hawaiʻi ()
• Willard Wilson awardee Rob Toonen ()

Limited job opportunities are in store for about 30% of the nearly 170,000 youth who are projected to enter Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce over the next decade, according to a new report pressing for urgent action.

The University of Hawaiʻi is joining forces with statewide partners to address Hawaiʻi鈥檚 complex workforce challenges, spotlighted in the report by the Hawaiʻi Workforce Funders Collaborative (HWFC).

During a July 11 presentation to the 糖心视频 Workforce Learning Community, HWFC Executive Director Matt Stevens emphasized the importance of statewide stakeholder collaboration to reshape education and job pathways.

“There aren鈥檛 going to be enough good jobs, and the education pathways we have aren鈥檛 necessarily leading to jobs that pay enough to survive,” Stevens said. “If we don鈥檛 create bold, strategic actions together as a system, we really do risk losing the next generation of workers before their careers even begin.”

Stackable credentials, curricula alignment, more

The report makes recommendations for a wide range of stakeholders. Its higher education recommendations include enhancing career counseling, building stackable credentials (a series of smaller credentials, such as certificates, that can be combined to build toward a degree), expanding microcredential programs, and aligning curricula with high-growth sectors such as healthcare, clean energy and technology.

“There’s a big collaborative effort to align our initiatives and adopt best practices in our state to see if we can actually make some measurable progress on workforce development goals,” said Christine Beaule, 糖心视频 director of workforce development. “糖心视频 is a key collaborator to strengthen workforce opportunities with partners in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, industry, other state agencies, and the philanthropic sector.”

Additional strategies call for using real-time data to inform program design, strengthening employer partnerships and redesigning on-campus jobs to include mentorship and skill-building. There are both short-term and long-term recommendations for other stakeholder groups such as government, K–12 education, and business and industry.

“This is not just about education reform,” Stevens said. “It鈥檚 about ensuring every resident has a chance at a future-ready, family-sustaining career—one that lets them stay and thrive in Hawaiʻi.”

The report envisions 100% of working-age residents having access to quality, locally rooted career opportunities by 2035.

Participants who completed the (GJH) program—a tuition-free, non-credit training program offered through the —experienced notable increases in earnings and transitions into higher-paying industries six months after completion, according to a preliminary analysis from the (糖心视频ERO).

糖心视频ERO said that participants who completed GJH training experienced an average increase of $1,800 in real quarterly wages—equivalent to about $7,200 on an annualized basis—compared to $780 for non-completers.

“These early findings offer encouraging signals,” stated Tim Halliday and Rachel Inafuku in the blog post. “The observed patterns suggest that Good Jobs Hawaiʻi may be associated with increased wages and shifts into higher-paying sectors—factors that align with broader goals of economic mobility. While the current analysis is preliminary, continued investment in data infrastructure will be critical for assessing the program鈥檚 long-term influence and understanding which components are most effective.”

Big gains for skilled trades, clean energy, healthcare

Wage gains were particularly significant in the skilled trades and clean energy sectors, where completers earned 35% more than non-completers. In healthcare, completers earned 19% more six months post-completion, rising to 23% more by the fourth quarter.

Geographic differences emerged, with 糖心视频 Maui College participants seeing the highest post-program earnings growth at 22%.

The data also revealed shifts in employment sectors. Many completers left lower-wage industries, such as food service, and entered fields such as healthcare, construction and public administration. Participants who switched industries after completing training saw significantly higher wage gains than those who remained in the same field.

Disparities remain

While short-term gains were promising, disparities remained. Women, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants earned less than their peers. And those with a high school diploma or less saw the largest average increase—about $2,000 more per quarter than their pre-program earnings.

The authors note their analysis reflects a relatively new program with a small sample size—fewer than 2,000 individuals—and a short follow-up period of typically two quarters after completion. As a result, it does not capture longer-term earnings trends.

However, they said, “As the initiative progresses, programs like Good Jobs Hawaiʻi have the potential to strengthen Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic resilience by creating pathways for residents to access higher-paying jobs.”

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糖心视频ERO is housed in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

The University of Hawaiʻi is playing a key role in preparing local students for careers in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 growing technology sector. Through Good Jobs Hawaiʻi, a statewide workforce development initiative supported by 糖心视频, students gained hands-on experience in user interface (UI), user experience (UX) and graphic design, thanks to a partnership with local creative agency Co. and Zippy鈥檚.

With few tech firms based in the islands, many aspiring designers are forced to move to the continental U.S. to gain entry-level experience. Piʻikū Co. aims to reverse this trend by equipping kama驶膩ina with practical skills tailored to the needs of local companies. Rather than outsourcing its design work, Zippy鈥檚 partnered with Piʻikū Co. to bring Hawaiʻi students in-house to support its digital and signage projects, giving students real-world exposure while strengthening 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 tech pipeline.

Michelle Tran, a local graduate of Kailua High School, struggled to find tech work after returning to Oʻahu from Claremont, California. That changed when she completed an eight-week internship through Piʻikū Co. She now works as a full-time UI/UX designer on Oʻahu.

“The Piʻikū internship played a very important role in my UX journey,” said Tran. “It was my first time working directly with a client, and I learned so much about client management.”

Programs like these directly support the 糖心视频 System Strategic Plan, which prioritizes workforce development and aims to reduce brain drain by keeping talent in the islands.

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College invites prospective students nationwide to register for the cutting-edge cybersecurity workforce development program Hawaiʻi Immersive Workforce, funded by a $500,000 U.S. National Security Agency grant.

糖心视频 Maui College, in partnership with the University of New Haven, is offering a free, fully online, skills-based training program designed to prepare participants for careers in four critical infrastructure sectors: energy, government facilities, finance and telecommunications. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The training consists of live weekly Zoom lectures at 4:30 p.m. HST (attendance is required). Scholarships cover tuition, course materials, and certification exam vouchers. Participants may earn certificates, badges, credits toward a certificate of competence and prepare for industry-recognized certifications (CompTIA Network+ and Security+). They will also connect with faculty and industry experts in AI and cybersecurity. The cohort has a maximum of 30 students.

“This is an important upskilling opportunity for in-demand cybersecurity jobs,” said Principal Investigator Debasis Bhattacharya. “Veterans, transitioning military, military spouses and first responders are strongly encouraged to apply.”

Program Details

Participants who complete the program will earn a certificate of competence from 糖心视频 Maui College after taking the following courses:

• Summer Session II (July–August 2025): ICS 101—Digital Tools for the Information World (3 credits)
• Fall Semester 2025: ICS 169—Introduction to Information Security (3 credits), mapped to Google Cybersecurity Certification
• Spring Semester 2026: ICS 184—Introduction to Networking (3 credits), mapped to CompTIA Network+ Certification
• Fall Semester 2026: ICS 171—Introduction to Computer Security (3 credits), mapped to CompTIA Security+ Certification

This initiative complements the 糖心视频 Community Colleges program by offering introductory and immersive cybersecurity certificates tailored for state and local employees, small businesses and nonprofits.

Nine University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Molokaʻi-based students earned certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) certifications, marking a significant milestone in local healthcare workforce development. This achievement was made possible through free training provided by Good Jobs Hawaiʻi, a statewide partnership of University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges, employers and organizations committed to creating quality job opportunities for Hawaiʻi residents.

Good Jobs Hawaiʻi supported participants by covering tuition, fees, books, online classes and exam fees. Onsite training was made possible through partnerships with Nā Puʻuwai (the Native Hawaiian Health Care System that serves the islands of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi) and Molokai General Hospital, the only hospital on the Island of Molokaʻi.

Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare—supporting physicians by preparing exam rooms, administering vaccines, collecting lab samples and more. The students also trained in EKG, phlebotomy and injections. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is among the fastest growing professions, reflecting a national increase in healthcare needs.

Clinical training

The cohort included four students who are employees of Nā Puʻuwai—Piikea Hanaoka, Misty Kahale, Tanya Kamakeaiana and Kapua Kehano—and five students who are employees of Molokai General Hospital—John Allan Arista, Alisha Gramberg, Cindy Ledesma, Teri-Lee Phifer and Mililani Rawlins.

Participants engaged in weekly online lectures led by a 糖心视频 Maui College professor while completing in-person clinical training at their job sites. This dual approach provided comprehensive education tailored to address the critical need for certified medical assistants in primary care facilities on Molokaʻi.

“This partnership has significantly enhanced the quality of care at our rural health clinic,” said MGH Director of Outpatient & Business Services Punahele Alcon. “Education investments like this improve safety, efficiency and professionalism, while strengthening our community鈥檚 healthcare capacity.”

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) on September 24, honored University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner and 糖心视频 Maui College鈥檚 Nicolette van Der Lee as part of the second annual Workforce Development Hero Awards.

Lassner was honored with the lifetime achievement award and van Der Lee was tapped for her work with the 糖心视频 Community Colleges to provide free training in collaboration with Hawaiʻi employers and community organizations.

The Workforce Development Hero Awards honor key contributors to workforce excellence across the islands. September is Workforce Development Month.

The DLIR pointed to Lassner鈥檚 46 years of service at 糖心视频 and that under his leadership, the 糖心视频 System has become a driving force in meeting Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce needs, setting records in research, graduation rates and inclusion of underrepresented populations.

“This recognition is an honor that so many of our 糖心视频 team, like Nicolette, deserves,” Lassner said. “We have made it clear that we aim to meet the workforce needs of the industries in Hawaiʻi and to prepare our students for jobs that are still coming as part of our mission to educate.”

Van Der Lee, who also served as a program manager for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges, was recognized for her efforts in leading important workforce development programs such as the Hana Career Pathways and , which offers free skills training in high-demand industry sectors. This program has served thousands of Hawaiʻi residents and brought in millions of dollars of federal grants to promote job training classes at the 糖心视频 Community Colleges.

2024 Workforce Development Hero Award Winners

• Oʻahu: Lord Ryan Lizardo, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and Ariel Villanueva, ʻEwa Makai Middle School
• Maui: Nicolette van Der Lee, University of Hawaiʻi, Maui Campus
• Kauaʻi: Kaina Makua, Kumanu I Ke Ala
• Hawaiʻi Island: Kevin Aki, County of Hawaiʻi
• Legislator of the Year: Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz
• Lifetime Achievement Award: David Lassner, President, University of Hawaiʻi

The honorees will be recognized at the Future of Work 2025 Conference on September 30, 2024.

A first-of-its-kind esports pathways program will launch this fall for University of Hawaiʻi students, as well as eligible Hawaiʻi residents through .

The free program consists of nine credits (SOCs 150 and COM 201 in fall 2024 and SOCs 489 in summer 2025) and a 150-hour internship in summer 2025. This is the first program from college to the esports industry in the state for students who want to learn more about careers in esports. After completing this program, participants will at least be qualified for entry level positions in the industry. This pathway program is designed to lead to a certificate program within the next year.

is hosting the program and working in partnership with . 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 esports program director Nyle Sky Kauweloa is the lead instructor for the courses and manages the program.

Kauweloa said the program is geared towards freshmen and sophomores, especially at the community colleges, who have long expressed their interests in the video games/esports industries, but due to various constraints have been unable to fully participate in the growth around esports in Hawaiʻi.

“The goal is to have this cohort of students better prepared with established contacts, relationships and knowledge to start finding sustainable work in esports from Hawaiʻi,” Kauweloa said. “This is an unprecedented move by the state to support a pathway experience in esports with the support of the community, higher education and industry.”

Current 糖心视频 System students as well as Hawaiʻi residents who are not currently enrolled at a 糖心视频 campus are . Kauweloa is also hosting a virtual informational session for interested applicants on July 17 at 4 p.m. .

• Related 糖心视频 News story: Free training: Media, film, esports, more, July 2, 2024

Vanta Esports is the program鈥檚 industry partner for the summer 2025 internship.

“We are excited to participate in the 糖心视频 (Good Jobs Hawaiʻi) esports pathway program this year,” said Ed Lallier, co-founder and chief revenue officer at Vanta. “It is a meaningful program that will have a significant impact on the local economy. It鈥檚 also great to have the state of Hawaiʻi financially support this initiative to help increase skill development and address critical needs in today鈥檚 job market. Skills learned through this program will give students opportunities to earn high paying jobs so they can afford a quality lifestyle on the island.”

Under Kauweloa鈥檚 leadership, the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 esports program has achieved global prominence, winning national collegiate program of the year in 2022, ranking in the top 5 nationally in multiple games and placing several students in successful international esports internships and jobs.

糖心视频 Esports receives funding from the . 糖心视频 the 糖心视频 Esports team鈥檚 and . More stories on 糖心视频鈥檚 esports program.

Hawaiʻi residents are invited to sharpen high-demand creative industry skills through free courses by the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges鈥� Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative in collaboration with Hawaiʻi State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)鈥檚 Creative Industries Division.

“We are so happy to partner with DBEDT and our industry partners to provide free training in these high demand areas that will lead to better paying jobs and possible lifelong careers for the participants,” said 糖心视频 Vice President of Community Colleges Erika Lacro. “Thousands of Hawaiʻi residents have received free training through our workforce programs that the 糖心视频 community colleges have been offering since the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The free classes start in August 2024, and participants can learn to utilize advanced real-time 3D creation tools, design accessible user-friendly websites, get an introduction to the opportunities in esports through the 糖心视频鈥檚 award-winning collegiate esports program and develop an understanding of the unique accounting aspects involved in film and television production. Class sizes will be limited for specialized instruction, with registration now open at .

“By bringing together jobseekers, employers and educators, Good Jobs Hawaiʻi is maximizing learning opportunities and real-world workforce readiness in the community,” said DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka.

The newest creative industries classes and course dates include:

• Stage 32 Accounting for Media Production (asynchronous online class, August 7–September 17, 2024)
• Unreal Engine for Filmmakers (synchronous statewide virtual class, August 15–October 17, 2024)
• Introduction to UX/UI Design and ADA Essentials with AI (synchronous statewide virtual class, August 20–October 10, 2024)
• Intro to Esports Careers (synchronous statewide virtual class, August 26, 2024–August 6, 2025)

Industry need

Kenneth Burke, producer of Magnum P.I., said that at any given time, a TV series might require as many as eight accountants, just one example that underscores industry need.

“The preference would be to hire locally for these openings, but with only one or two specialized accountants for this work here in Hawaiʻi, there are at least six opportunities per show that end up being outsourced,” Burke said.

Helping thousands of residents

Read more about Good Jobs Hawaiʻi at 糖心视频 News

Since the launch of Good Jobs Hawaiʻi in 2023, more than 4,000 residents throughout the state have enrolled in various free training programs across core industry sectors—healthcare, technology, clean energy/skilled trades, and creative industries. Eligible applicants receive tuition assistance for courses and other training costs, such as industry certification exam fees when applicable. In addition to the free tuition, each participant is also supported by a Good Jobs Hawaiʻi Navigator, who provides one-on-one guidance to ensure a student鈥檚 success. Their services include offering college and career advising, referring to community partners for support services, facilitating connections to employers, and providing various forms of financial assistance. To apply online for current trainings or to learn more about the initiative, visit .

Financial support is provided by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Economic Development Administration, and City and County of Honolulu. Grants from the Ascendium Education Group, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation support the 糖心视频 Community Colleges鈥� coordination with industry partners in targeted sectors identified as recession-resilient in Hawaiʻi鈥榮 Talent Roadmap to Recovery, issued by the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative.

Two members of the Dagdag family will participate in 鈥檚 commencement ceremonies on May 9. Seanna-Victoria and her father Frederick have earned associate in arts degrees in liberal arts. In addition, Seanna-Victoria鈥檚 sister and Frederick鈥檚 daughter Landyn-Angelie, an early college student and Maui High School (MHS) class of 2024 graduating student, has earned her nursing assistant certification.

The learning legacy at 糖心视频 Maui College spans two generations in a family of nurses, two degrees and multiple program certificates.

Seanna-Victoria Dagdag, daughter

“Seanna-Victoria, a 2022 MHS graduate, crossed my path during our high school outreach for fall registration when she was a senior. She expressed her ambition to become a pharmacist, and her dedication was evident in her academic achievements,” said Eri Nomura, 糖心视频 Maui College academic counselor. “Following graduation, she seized the opportunity to obtain the pharmacy tech certification during the summer. This experience, I believe, led her to reconsider her career path, ultimately deciding to pursue nursing.”

Since earning her certified pharmacy technician national certification in spring 2022, Seanna-Victoria has been working at a CVS Pharmacy at Target. After graduating with her associate鈥檚 degree, she will complete her prerequisites and plans to apply for the 糖心视频 Maui College nursing program in January 2025.

“Walking across the stage with my father beside me fills me with profound gratitude for his guidance, unwavering support, and countless lessons. His pursuit of education showcases his commitment to continuous learning. Graduating together is more than receiving diplomas; it’s about celebrating our shared journey and the endless possibilities ahead,” said Seanna-Victoria. “The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College has been pivotal in my academic growth, expanding my horizons and nurturing my personal development. Faculty dedication guided me, instilling purpose and pride, emphasizing that learning never ceases. I’m immensely grateful for the university’s role in shaping who I am today, laying the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.”

Frederick Dagdag, father

Frederick completed his associate鈥檚 degree in liberal arts in fall 2023. He accepted an automatic admission offer, and is on track to earn his bachelor鈥檚 degree through 糖心视频 West Oʻahu as a public administration, health care administration major. Previously, he graduated from the licensed practical nursing program and completed his certificate in competence in information security through Good Jobs Hawaiʻi.

“I reflect on the semesters of determination and dedication as I graduate from Maui College with an associate degree in liberal arts and a CO in information security. Returning to school to continue my education alongside my daughter, I feel a deep sense of personal accomplishment. This milestone is not only about academic achievement, but also about resilience and the pursuit of lifelong learning,“ Frederick said.

“Maui College has given me the opportunity to earn an education while being close to home. In addition, 糖心视频 Maui has provided me with numerous resources and a supportive community that have helped me, and countless others, to move forward in our educational accomplishments.”

Check out more stories of our 糖心视频 spring graduates

Frederick added, “Sharing this moment with my daughter, who is also earning her associate degree in liberal arts, adds an extra sense of pride and joy. As we both step onto the stage together, we represent the spirit of determination and the belief that learning is a journey with no age limits.”

—By Valerie Matsunaga

Free summer training classes are now available for sign up through University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges鈥� Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative. These training programs offer individuals the chance to upskill and attain industry certifications, opening doors to employment opportunities, paid internships, and apprenticeship pathways. Registration is now open for a variety of online and in-person classes with varying durations though goodjobshawaii.org.

Trainings that will be offered starting in May 2024 include:

• Creative Industry jobs: Intro to esports careers and digital art fundamentals
• Technology jobs: Help desk technician prep, CompTIA A+, AI in the workplace and AWS cloud certifications
• Clean Energy and Skilled Trade jobs: Carpenter pre-apprenticeship, renewable energy and commercial driver鈥檚 license
• Healthcare jobs: Certified personal trainer, certified nurse aide and medical assisting
• City & County of Honolulu jobs: Police Academy prep, certification in court interpreter training,
• Microsoft Office and plant propagation for nursery workers

Since the launch of Good Jobs Hawaiʻi in 2023, more than 4,000 residents throughout the state have enrolled in free training offered through the program.

“The Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative is focused on ensuring our state鈥檚 economic future has a skilled and local workforce ready to meet the demands of our high-growth industries,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for 糖心视频 Community Colleges. “These free training classes being offered to Hawaiʻi residents provide an invaluable opportunity to upskill, paving the way for a successful future filled with promising career prospects.”

Free for most participants

More than $3 million in funding is available from various funding sources for tuition. Eligible applicants receive tuition assistance for courses and other training costs such as industry certification exam fees. The Good Jobs Hawaiʻi program is free for most eligible participants, since many of the trainings provide a 100% tuition subsidy to cover all costs.

In addition to the free tuition, each participant is also supported by a Good Jobs Hawaiʻi navigator, who provides one-on-one support to ensure a student鈥檚 success. Their services include offering college and career advising, referring to community partners for support services, facilitating connections to employers, and providing various forms of financial assistance.

To apply online for current training or to learn more visit Good Jobs Hawaiʻi.

Esports, digital creative industries

In the creative industries sector, an exciting esports experiential learning pathway is set to start in fall of 2024 for students from all 糖心视频 campuses.

“We encourage interested applicants to apply now as seats are limited. The training will provide an unprecedented experience of academic instruction, industry mentorship, and esports internships in Hawaiʻi. The 糖心视频 Esports program is a three-time nominated collegiate program of the year and winner of the 2022 national award,” said Nyle Sky Kauweloa, director of 糖心视频 Esports.

The new online digital art fundamentals course prepares students for jobs in the rapidly evolving creative industries sector.

“This course offers a blend of introductory theory and practical skills essential for a digital media landscape that affects everything from education to digital marketing, telehealth to e-commerce, social media to esports,” said Associate Professor Adam Moura, coordinator for the New Media Arts Program at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Healthcare sector training

In the healthcare sector, a new personal trainer program hosted online for statewide participants by University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in collaboration with 糖心视频 Maui College offers the opportunity to attain the industry recognized ACE (American Council of Exercise) Industry Certification.

“The training provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills required to pursue an actual personal trainer certification from an accredited organization. It equips them with the educational groundwork needed to design safe and effective exercise programs, increasing their credibility and marketability in Hawaiʻi‘s vibrant fitness industry,” said Ozan Atala臒, department chair in kinesiology and exercise sciences at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Technology fields

In the technology sector, a new help desk technician prep course leading to an internship with local managed service providers (MSPs) for Oʻahu residents will begin in May.

“The value of this training isn鈥檛 just about fixing computers, it鈥檚 about building the confidence to tackle any problem that may come your way,” said Branden Baker of InTech, one of the MSPs offering paid internships.

Financial support provided by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Economic Development Administration, and City and County of Honolulu. Grants from the Ascendium Education Group, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation support the 糖心视频 Community Colleges鈥� coordination with industry partners in targeted sectors identified as recession-resilient in , issued by the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative.

All University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (COE) student teachers and interns had the opportunity to apply for full tuition remission for the spring 2024 semester. An estimated $1.5 million in funding was made available through the generous support of to more than 200 students and interns.

“We are so appreciative of the support that Good Jobs Hawaiʻi has provided to the student teachers and interns in our COE teacher preparation programs,” said Aaron Levine, partnership and placement coordinator in the COE School of Teacher Education. “The tuition funds will go a long way toward helping to sustain Hawaiʻi鈥檚 educator workforce. Mahalo nui loa to the entire Good Jobs Hawaiʻi team for their gracious support!”

Tuition funds will be provided toward the end of February as a refund for student teachers and interns who have already paid for their spring 2024 tuition. Recipients were required to be Hawaiʻi residents, U.S. citizens (or permanent resident or COFA status), 16 years or older, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. They were eligible regardless of whether they already received stipends or apprenticeship funds from other sources.

Read more about Good Jobs Hawaiʻi

Good Jobs Hawaiʻi is a partnership between the , employers and organizations that want to help Hawaiʻi residents attain good quality jobs. Good Jobs Hawaiʻi offers free skills training in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 high-demand sectors including healthcare, technology, clean energy/skilled trades and creative industries that can lead to pathways for better-paying jobs and accelerate careers.

To fill a critical shortage of medical professionals in Hawaiʻi, some high school students are training at their schools to become certified nurse aides (CNA) through a partnership between and the (HAH).

According to HAH, there were 3,873 open non-physician healthcare positions across 89 professions in 2022. HAH collaborated with Leeward CC for a pilot high school CNA training program in 2023, at Farrington, Waiʻanae and Kauaʻi High Schools that was funded by federal and private sources.

“Good experience, loved it,” said Farrington student Melody Agodong. “(It) teaches you about basic nursing skills to get the job. Labs were great. Employment support and [transition training] were super helpful.”

During the pilot year, students secured employment at various healthcare facilities, including Manoa Cottage Kaimuki, The Plaza Assisted Living, Garden Isle Rehab and Nursing and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

Public-private collaboration supports healthcare workforce

With funding from (GJH)—a joint effort between the University of Hawaiʻi, and various federal, state, county and philanthropic resources, offering free skills training in high-demand sectors—HAH was able to work with Leeward CC鈥檚 Office of Workforce Development to set up Farrington High School as a Central Oʻahu hub and Waiʻanae High School as a West Oʻahu hub to host CNA training for more high school students.

• Read more 糖心视频 News stories about Good Jobs Hawaiʻi

Leeward CC provides the instructors and sets up mini labs at the schools for the CNA cohorts, and the GJH funding covers the cost of certifications and the externships provided through the HAH and their participating members. In addition, the 糖心视频 Department of Geriatric Workforce Development Program provides additional lab space, equipment and training on caring for persons living with dementia.

In January 2024, Mililani High School seniors will begin CNA training at their school, while students from Farrington, McKinley and Kaimuki High Schools will train at the Farrington hub. Kauaʻi High School is also scheduled to begin CNA training. In all, more than 30 high school students will be trained as CNAs through the partnership.

“The program provides students with a unique opportunity to earn an industry certification before graduating and get a head start on their career and employment goals, while providing the industry with a new generation of skilled healthcare professionals,” said Colleen Leopoldino, HAH manager of workforce development.

Three Molokai Drugs employees earned national certification as pharmacy technicians ( CPhT), thanks to free training provided by , a partnership among the , employers and organizations that want to help Hawaiʻi residents attain good quality jobs.

By earning the CPhT credential, pharmacy technicians demonstrate their knowledge and commitment in medication safety and effective patient care across pharmacy settings. Cynthia Rawlins is among the newly certified pharmacy technicians. She prepared for the CPhT exam on the weekends and in the evenings鈥攁fter working a full-time job at Molokai Drugs.

“Thank you to the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges and Good Jobs Hawaiʻi for giving me this opportunity,” said Rawlins. “I was able to coordinate my certified pharmacy technician classes while balancing my family life as a wife and a mother and working full-time. I am especially appreciative of the encouragement from my husband, Walter ‘Braj’ Rawlins, Jr. He has been very supportive of my career goals and aspirations.”

Read more about Good Jobs Hawaiʻi

Good Jobs Hawaiʻi provided tuition, fees, books, online classes, onsite training at Molokaʻi Drugs, exam fees and travel to Maui for the CPhT exam. Along with Rawlins, two other Molokai Drugs employees鈥擯recious Asuncion and Tyra-Lynn Mollena-Lopez鈥攂ecame nationally certified pharmacy technicians in fall 2023 through Good Jobs Hawaiʻi.

“We encourage Hawaiʻi companies to partner with the University of Hawaiʻi community colleges to provide ‘upskilling’ for our workforce,” said Kimberly Mikami Svetin, Molokai Drugs president. “At little or no cost to the employer, Good Jobs Hawaiʻi has helped a number of our Molokai Drugs staff garner valuable skills and training. Our employees were able to continue their education on Molokaʻi via synchronous classes and support from their professors at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.”

Two more Molokai Drugs employees are taking the pharmacy technician class this spring.

Good Jobs Hawaiʻi offers free skills training in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 high-demand sectors including healthcare, technology, clean energy/skilled trades and creative industries that can lead to pathways for better-paying jobs and accelerate careers.

Residents in search of employment and new career opportunities can access free trainings provided by the through its initiative. These trainings will provide options for people to upskill and earn industry credentials in the healthcare, clean energy, skilled trades and technology industries which will lead to employment, paid internships and apprenticeship pathways. Registration is now open for a range of online and in-person training sessions with varying durations through the .

Since January, more than 2,630 residents throughout the state have enrolled in free training offered through the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative.

“The outcomes for our students who have participated in this program have been phenomenal,” says Marshall Norman, program manager for the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi Initiative. “Many of them, who have completed their courses, are now successfully employed in the workforce.”

Providing a future

“What I liked most about the certified nurse aide program is the real life interactions that we got and the real life scenarios that we got when we were practicing our patient care,” said Kennedy McLean, former student. “I was hired at the Queen鈥檚 Medical Center and I felt absolutely exceptional after I got that position. It’s been my dream to work with patients.” ().

“The program has accelerated my life by helping me prove to myself that I am able to do what I always wanted to do, ever since I was a little kid,” said John McGee, student in the commercial motor vehicle program. “The program is providing me with a future that I would actually enjoy doing for the rest of my life.” ()

Training that will be offered starting in January 2024 includes:

• Certified nurse aide, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician and mental health technician for healthcare jobs.
• CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, and AWS Cloud certifications for technology jobs.
• Commercial driver鈥檚 license, carpenter pre-apprenticeship, renewable energy and solar safety for skilled trades and clean energy jobs.

More than $5.5 million available

More than $5.5 million in funding is available from various funding sources for tuition. Eligible applicants receive tuition assistance for courses and other training costs such as books and industry certification exam fees. Most trainings provide a 100% tuition subsidy to cover all costs.

In addition to the free tuition, each participant is also supported by a Good Jobs Hawaiʻi Navigator, who provides one-on-one support to ensure a student鈥檚 success. Their services include offering college and career advising, referring to community partners for support services, facilitating connections to employers, and providing various forms of financial assistance.

“I want to get to know the students in every aspect of their life,” says Good Jobs Hawaiʻi Navigator Ezralei Eugenio. “I want to be able to assess their needs and get them to where they want to be. As a navigator, I鈥檓 here to help them through their challenges to make sure they can succeed in our program.”

Financial support provided by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Economic Development Administration and City and County of Honolulu. Grants from the Ascendium Education Group, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation support the 糖心视频 Community Colleges鈥� coordination with industry partners in targeted sectors identified as recession-resilient in , issued by the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative.

Column by Chancellor Lui Hokoana was published by on September 23, 2023.

As we move through our fall semester, we carry on traveling two parallel paths — supporting our students and supporting our community. Although the sadness remains, we acknowledge that planning for the future is part of the recovery process.

Even as the environment changes on a nearly daily basis, we strive to meet immediate needs. We have learned the importance of being flexible and know whatever we are able to achieve is a direct result of a tireless 糖心视频–MC ʻohana and countless community partners and volunteers.

Faculty and staff have been doing direct outreach through weekly in-person visits at the Napili Park Hub since mid-August. These will continue as long as needed.

To date, we have distributed about $800,000 in emergency aid to students from the two Lahaina zip codes. These are students enrolled in any of the 糖心视频 system鈥檚 10 campuses as well as our own 糖心视频–MC students. We will soon get money to students who registered late. We are, obviously, allowing our affected students as much schedule flexibility as possible. Personal support counseling is available to all our campus ʻohana and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.

We remain grateful for the incredible efforts of our Culinary Arts Program faculty, staff, students and volunteers as they produce hundreds of delicious meals each day for our displaced neighbors.

Our Library and IT departments are so important in ensuring our students have the course materials and online access they need. One hundred hotspots are working with more to come. There鈥檚 a waitlist for those still needing internet access and there鈥檚 a list of Starlink locations to help students identify the ones nearest to them. Fifty-five donated laptops have been distributed as have loads of donated, brand new school supplies. Our library staff is happy to receive throughout this semester notebooks, loose-leaf paper, folders, flash drives, pencil cases, index cards and Post-it notes. (Contact the Library at .) Course materials — readings, handouts, assignment information and more — are being printed out and/or put on flash drives ready for students to pick up on campus or in Napili.

More on how to help Maui ʻohana and the Maui wildfires.

In addition to immediate needs, we want our college to be on the leading edge of planning for tomorrow. We have Maui鈥檚 only and we plan to institutionalize it to expand its reach. We will deploy our to help with rebuilding by partnering with the . Assistant Professor of Mathematics Thomas Blamey and the students in his ʻAina Data Stewards Youth Program have worked with Maui United Way on several projects and they will expand that partnership.

“Our current main focus is on ‘food insecurity,’” explained Blamey. “Through this partnership, we are able to leverage Maui United Way鈥檚 data to discover insights for the betterment of Maui Nui.”

For more information, visit .

Beginning in January, we鈥檒l expand our training programs — apprenticeships in all the construction and automotive trades, career and technical education ranging from nursing and early childhood education to agriculture and natural resources to creative media and everything in between. We鈥檙e also hoping to offer innovative, nontraditional pathways and more courses from other 糖心视频 campuses, specifically in education fields.

We have expanded our partnership with .

“We鈥檙e identifying training needs for the County and private companies and they鈥檒l be scheduled in the near future,” said Program Manager Nicolette van der Lee.

Hazmat training will be a focus soon. Commercial driver license certification training is ongoing and will ramp up.

“There was already a demand,” said Apprenticeship & Trades Coordinator Michael Young, “and there will be a lot more demand as we rebuild. These jobs provide a good living and will enable drivers to stay on Maui.”

We鈥檒l be holding job and training fairs in October, November and December.

All of this to ensure our college plays a vital role in assisting the thousands of our neighbors left unemployed or underemployed by the wildfires as well as serving our students. We look forward to keeping you informed of our efforts over the next months.

Let鈥檚 end with some good news. After years of declining enrollment — here and at colleges nationwide — our enrollment is up 7.5 percent over fall 2022. We have almost 2,700 students enrolled. We exceeded our targets in all but one of six categories. Most notably, we have many more returning students than we expected, many more students taking 糖心视频-Maui College classes who are from other 糖心视频 campuses (up 28 percent), and transfer students (up 54 percent). These statistics translate to promise for Maui Nui鈥檚 future.

More details are available on:

• CDL information, .
• Office of Extended Learning & Workforce Development, .
• Good Jobs Hawaiʻi, .
• Complete information about 糖心视频–MC, .

* Dr. Lui K. Hokoana is Chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Kaʻana Manaʻo, which means “sharing thoughts,” is scheduled to appear on the fourth Sunday of each month. It is prepared with assistance from 糖心视频-Maui College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County information about opportunities available through the college at its Kahului campus and its education centers.

Free training for Maui residents and companies needing to upskill their teams for the wildfire recovery effort will be held October 2–6, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the campus.

The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training prepares cleanup and emergency response workers to operate safely during a variety of scenarios involving hazardous substances. This training covers policies, practices and procedures that reduce the risk of injury and illness related to harmful exposures on the worksite.

This training is part of the initiative offering free job training and other online programs through the . These trainings will provide opportunities for Hawaiʻi residents to upskill and earn industry credentials in the healthcare, skilled trades and technology industries, which will lead to employment, paid internships and apprenticeship pathways.

In order to be eligible, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a resident of the State of Hawaiʻi and eligible to work in the U.S. Additionally, applicants must be employed as a site worker or manager/supervisor with potential exposure to hazardous substances required to have HAZWOPER 40-hour certification for Maui wildfire response in the State of Hawaiʻi and must complete the . There is also an (use code HAZ-1023).

糖心视频 Maui College also plans to schedule the following courses this fall:

• HAZWOPER 8-Hour (Site supervisors/managers): This (initial) training is a one-time requirement for workers who supervise HAZWOPER employees. It’s also for those that need a refresher but not involved with cleaning up.
• HAZWOPER 16-Hour (Site workers who are being moved to supervisor): OSHA expects a general hazardous waste site worker who will become a supervisor or manager to receive at least 16 hours of training during the year they become a supervisor.
• HAZWOPER 24-Hour (Occupational site workers and supervisors/managers): Employees who need 24-Hour HAZWOPER are most likely considered “Occasional Site Workers.” These employees aren’t required to work with hazardous materials daily.

More on how to help Maui ʻohana and the Maui wildfires.

The HAZWOPER 40-hour training is co-sponsored by the Sustainable Workplace Alliance-SWA and PIRM Group International, LLC.