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

Swipe left for more photos

Certified Nurse Aide is a new course being offered this fall at Hawai‘i CC. (courtesy Photo/ HCC)
Maya Kalalau operates a forklift during a Good Jobs Hawai‘i training class at Hawai‘i CC. (courtsy photo/ HCC)
Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Starting this fall, there will be additional free job training courses available for Hawai‘i Island residents through the Good Jobs Hawai’i 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 Hawai’I website.

Some of the courses that Hawai‘i CC 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

Tuition and fees for certificate programs

Good Jobs Hawai‘i is also providing tuition and fees support for eligible students who enroll in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Addictions Professional certificate programs at Hawai‘i CC. Students who complete these programs will receive a certificate of competence and be prepared for jobs that are in demand statewide. Courses start August 21, and the deadline to apply is August 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 Hawai‘i CC website.

“Since its founding in 1941, Hawai‘i Community College has a proud history of educating the local workforce for the benefit of residents and employers,” said Hawai‘i CC Interim Chancellor Susan Kazama. “The Good Jobs Hawai‘i initiative is a new, innovative way to provide free training that can quickly boost skills and help local residents establish thriving careers.”

More than $3 million available statewide

“These trainings are excellent opportunities for recent high school graduates and working age adults looking for career changes to try a course at no cost while gaining valuable skills in high-demand industries that can lead to immediate employment,” said Dan Doerger, director of workforce innovation at UH Community Colleges. “Students interested in pursuing a degree or additional credentials after completing a training can also apply for additional funding to help them advance in their chosen college and career pathway.”

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.

Financial support was provided by the U.S. Department of Education federal grant #V425G200038, Reimagining Workforce Preparation: Hana Career Pathways, in the amount of $13,370,383.58 for the period of October 1, 2020–September 29, 2023. Grants from the Ascendium Education Group, Hawai’i Community Foundation and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation support the UH Community Colleges’ coordination with industry partners in targeted sectors identified as recession-resilient in Hawai’i‘s Talent Roadmap to Recovery, issued by the Hawai’I Executive Collaborative.

Contact: Nicolette van der Lee, (808) 984-3300 Program Manager, University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges