Free Training For High-Demand Jobs Available at UH Community Colleges

University of Hawai‘i community colleges are offering a way for island residents to gain valuable training for jobs in several sectors — for free — this summer.

Short-term training classes in health care, technology and the skilled trades are available through the Hana Career Pathways program. Training being offered includes certified nurse aide education, CompTIA industry certifications for IT-related jobs and carpentry pre-apprenticeship, HVAC and commercial driver license prep — all leading to employment and apprenticeship pathways.

“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,” UH President David Lassner said 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.”

The Hana Career Pathways program prepares those who participate to apply for apprenticeships and related degree programs. Students also have the benefit of being connected with opportunities such as paid internships and guaranteed job interviews with local employers.

“I was a stay-at-home mom and thought this program would be perfect for me,” Sammilyn Pule-Kaahanui of Molokaʻi, a recent graduate from the pharmacy technician training program at UH Maui College, said in the 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.”

More than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Education is available for tuition and other training cost assistance this year. Many of the trainings provide a 100% tuition subsidy to cover all costs. Wrap-around services are also offered, including college and career advising, referrals to community partners with supportive services and other financial assistance.

Graduating high school seniors also are encouraged to explore the job trainings offered through the summer program and apply.

“This free summer program provides a new opportunity for graduating high school students to be trained for the world of work, and to earn industry certifications that will help them succeed both in the workforce and in their educational pursuits,” Stephen Schatz, executive director of the Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education, in the press release.

For more information or to apply, click here.