Free training for new skills, jobs available for Hawaiʻi County residents, some statewide

Starting this fall, there will be additional free job training courses available for Hawaiʻi Island residents through the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative.

Some of the training will also be open to residents throughout the state. These training sessions will provide opportunities for people to upskill and earn industry credentials in the healthcare, skilled trades and technology industries, which will lead to employment, paid internships and apprenticeship pathways.

Sign ups for a variety of online and in-person training of different durations are now available through the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi website.

Some of the courses that Hawaiʻi Community College will be offering this fall include:

• Healthcare (in-person and online statewide)
  • Certified Nurse Aide (in-person)
  • Medical Assistant (in-person)
  • Phlebotomy Technician (in-person)
  • Medical Receptionist and Patient Services (online statewide)
  • Registered Behavior Technician (online statewide)
• Skilled Trades (in-person)
  • Electrical Technology Program – Maintenance Electrician (EM)
  • Forklift Operator Training
• Technology (online statewide)
  • Introduction to IT and A+ Certification Exam Prep
  • Cyber Fundamentals and Security+ Training and Certification Prep
  • AWS Cloud Foundations
  • CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks
• Clean Energy (online statewide)
  • Renewable Energy Certificate
  • Solar Safety Training

Good Jobs Hawaiʻi is also providing tuition and fees support for eligible students who enroll in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Addictions Professional certificate programs at Hawaiʻi Community College.

Students who complete these programs will receive a certificate of competence and be prepared for jobs that are in demand statewide. Courses start Aug. 21, and the deadline to apply is Aug. 8.

Those who are interested should contact Program Coordinator Donna Madrid at dhkaneko@hawaii.edu or 808-934-2638 to learn more about program admission requirements. More information about these certificates can be found on the Hawaiʻi Community College website.

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. Additional wrap-around services are also offered to students including college and career advising, referrals to community partners with supportive services, and other financial assistance.