Resort’s apprentice program helps local teens gain work skills

The summer apprentice program at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was more than just giving local teens a chance to earn a paycheck.

It was an opportunity to help them learn about the working world through hands-on experiences, make informed decisions about their future, as well as empower and equip them with the confidence and skills needed to succeed in today’s economy.

Eight West Hawaii teens, ages 16 and 17, participated in the resort’s inaugural two-month program, shadowing and working alongside employees in the engineering, culinary, housekeeping and stewarding departments. They were Alek Kaai, Jason Kuwada, Jossevey Macabinguil, Arthur Nedlic, Wilfred Palik, Jayson Racadio, Michelle Reed and Isaiah Yancy. Each was paid $8 per hour and worked 40 hours a week, said Human Resources Senior Director Mitch Sipiala.

A special celebration was held Monday in the Loihi Room, where mentors shared stories about each teen and presented certificates. The teens also talked about what they enjoyed most about the program, lessons learned and how they will apply their new skills. The apprentices called the program “a great opportunity” and said they developed “a strong work ethic.” Afterward, the teens challenged resort employees to a video game dance off.

Several teens were asked to continue working part time at the resort throughout the school year or during the holiday season. Because of the program’s great success, the resort plans to offer it every summer, Sipiala said.

The idea for the program derived from several resort managers, who are involved with Lifeplan, a teenage mentoring program. Besides reinforcing the resort’s commitment to community outreach and local charities, they wanted to offer “a true work opportunity program” for local teens — a segment hit hard by the recession. Faced with a crowded job market, teens are competing against older workers with more experience and their chances of gaining workforce experience are slim, Sipiala said.

“Many of these kids lacked confidence and ordinarily would never get a chance to build real job skills,” he said. “Our goal was simple: help them get a job, teach them real job skills and build their confidence. It was a chance to make a difference in the community, and hopefully spark a lasting change from the grassroots up.”

General Manager Robert Whitfield fully supported the program, which targeted teens who were not from affluent backgrounds or face significant disadvantages and have a family member that worked at the resort, Sipiala said. It was advertised mostly within the resort because family support or sponsors were needed to get teens to and from work. However, half of participants were from Lifeplan, he added.

“Our approach was different than a typical recruitment process. Rather than have the candidates try to pass our rigid application process, we decided to teach them how to get a job,” he said. “This entailed showing them how basic life skills can be transferred to work skills. Working on your uncle’s fishing boat, helping your neighbor with their lawn, or even being responsible for chores at home, all can be related to work ethic and responsibility.”

The teens learned about accountability, respect, time management and good work ethic while performing everyday duties at their assigned department. Tasks included food preparation, washing dishes, answering phone calls, assisting with dining operations and cleaning bathrooms.

A major milestone mentioned by some participants was helping with a Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce event, which Governor Neil Abercrombie attended. Kealakehe High School senior Jayson Racadio said he enjoyed the rush of plating 250 people’s lunches in less than 15 minutes.

Besides learning how to bandage his fingers and perfect his knife skills, Kealakehe High senior Alek Kaai said the best part was cooking with all the chefs, talking story with them and getting to know everyone at the resort.

Executive Chef James Babian has always believed that the best way to learn is to teach. He said not only did the apprentices exceed their own expectations, but also those of resort employees.

Housekeeping Director Lanikai Lindsey learned a lot from Konawaena High School senior Jossevey Macabinguil and Kealakehe High’s Isaiah Yancy.

Lindsey said no matter how difficult the task was or how hot the day was, Macabinguil maintained her cheerful demeanor, which always put the staff in a positive mood. He recalled how Yancy first impressed him by solving a Rubik’s cube in less than a minute during an interview and how he reorganized a storage area, making it more efficient. He also thanked Yancy for teaching him that not everyone is perfect for every job and the importance of utilizing people’s strengths.

Yancy later moved to the laundry department, where his quick skills with the washer and iron impressed all. He instantly fit in with the staff, which handles 9,000 to 13,000 pounds of laundry daily. He was affectionately called “little brother,” said Laundry Manager HoneyGirl Hao.

Mona and James Kuwada were “very proud” of their son, Jason. This was his first job, and over the past several weeks, they watch the Kealakehe High senior develop into a more responsible, mature individual.

They called the program “great,” saying it not only keeps local teens out of trouble during the summer, but also helps them discover what’s out there for them, how to be successful in the workforce and what they are capable of.