University of Hawaii’s community colleges are offering free training in the fields of health care, technology and skilled trades this summer as part of their Hana Career Pathways program.
Enrollment is open to graduating high school students and other community members. Program start dates begin in May and vary by class.
Registration and a list of open courses are available at: https://tinyurl.com/mwzv6vr5.
Training offered this summer focuses on in-demand jobs throughout the state including certified nursing aides, IT and project management positions, carpentry, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), agriculture and commercial drivers license preparation, as well as several other professions.
“While our state continues to revitalize its economy, we must focus on educating our own residents to fill the high-demand jobs in our communities,” said UH President David Lassner in a press release. “These fast-track trainings being offered by our UH community colleges are an opportunity to build a quality workforce pipeline for our local employers and to help our communities return back to work.”
More than $2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education is available for the Hana Career Pathway programs this year.
Eligible applicants can receive tuition assistance for courses, along with other training costs including books and industry certification exam fees. Additional services will be offered to students in the program including college and career advising, referrals to community partners and financial assistance.
The Hana Career Pathways program also provides connections for students with work-based learning opportunities including paid internships and interviews with local employers.
“I was a stay-at-home mom and thought this program would be perfect for me,” Sammilyn Pule-Kaahanui, a recent graduate from the pharmacy technician training program at UH Maui College, said in a press release. “I completed the course, and I am now a certified pharmacy technician. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn and increase their employment paths and overall better their future.”
From October 2020 to September 2023, Hana Career Pathways secured over $13 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Reimagining Workforce Partnership grant. Hawaii is one of eight states to win the grant.