University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges To Provide Free On-The-Job Training to All Residents for Immediate Employment

By Staff Reporter

Nov 20, 2023 01:51 AM EST

University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges To Provide Free On-The-Job Training to All Residents for Immediate Employment — (Photo : Unsplash/Annie Spratt)

The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges has taken a great initiative for its residents by providing access to free pieces of training through Good Job Hawaii. The residents have the opportunity to take these courses at no cost putting them on a path that's going to offer them a living wage in the state of Hawaii. The program has accelerated lives by helping non-traditional students, traditional students, incumbent workers, and anyone who wants to get their foot in the door and Get a career.

Through the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative, the UH Community Colleges offer free skills training in high-demand industries: healthcare, technology, clean energy/skilled trades and creative services which will lead to employment, paid internships and apprenticeship pathways. Employers from these industries work with the UH Community Colleges to identify positions that need to be filled. The seven UH Community College campuses provide the training and support that allow individuals to access pathways to advance into these in-demand jobs.

"Our goal is to equip residents with the knowledge and skills to access pathways to good jobs that allow them to thrive in Hawaiʻi," said Daniel Doerger, director of workforce innovation, UH Community Colleges. And 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 HawaiʻiInitiative. "Many of them, who have completed their courses, are now successfully employed in the workforce."

Funding With A Mission in Mind

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the City and County of Honolulu's $5-million investment to create the Good Jobs Oʻahu initiative with the University of Hawaiʻi on August 3. "These funds will support training for Oʻahu residents to seek higher paying jobs in industries that help diversify our economy".

Mayor Blangiardi said that this initiative is a "sound investment" and is deemed "vital for the community's well-being." He added that this is "essential in creating a more equitable and diverse economy."

Fostering Local Talent

More than $3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education is available for tuition this year. Eligible applicants receive tuition assistance for courses and other training costs such as books and industry certification exam fees. The program is free for most eligible participants, since many of the trainings provide a 100% tuition subsidy to cover all costs. Wrap-around support services are also offered to students including college and career advising, referrals to community partners with supportive services and other financial assistance.

Committed To Local Business

With this initiative, more than 70 businesses have already committed to participate. Businesses are invited to join the partnership coalition to help identify positions that need to be filled, co-design training opportunities and prioritize our local workforce in hiring and advancement. Employers statewide can join the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi coalition by signing a Talent Action Pledge online as a first step.

Support for the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative is provided by various government and philanthropic organizations including the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the U.S. Department of Education, the City & County of Honolulu, Ascendium Education Group, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the Hawai'i Community Foundation, and the Hawaiʻi Workforce Funders Collaborative.

Empowering Initiative

Not only does it enable younger generations to land a career they love after getting certified, but it also gives them the support that they need while reaching for their dreams. This initiative is about empowering local people, strengthening the workforce, and building a resilient Oʻahu that is ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future.