Hawai‘i teachers recently participated in a free Creative Industries Educator Externship on May 2, 2024. The event was designed to enhance their understanding of career pathways and technical skills in digital design, fashion design, and media. The externship was organized by the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges and the Good Jobs Hawai‘i coalition.
The specialized externship took place at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Honolulu. It provided educators from across the state with an opportunity to receive ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) credit toward their Highly Qualified Teacher status, advance their acumen in creative disciplines, and strengthen student bridges from curriculum to career.
“Teachers are at the forefront of advancing learning and career opportunities for the next generation within the dynamic creative industries,” said DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka. “This hands-on externship not only helps equip local educators with a deeper understanding of current industry essentials and advancements but empowers them to enhance student preparedness for the specialized career paths that contribute to a vibrant creative economy.”
In partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), event organizers sought input from teachers to shape the Creative Industries Educator Externship agenda. The day included technical skill rotations exploring topics such as fashion design process, 3D modeling, video pre-production, networking sessions, and informative panels from professionals in the creative industries.
“We recognize skill gaps that may limit access to more lucrative openings in the creative landscape as students shift from high school to post-secondary education and the workforce,” said CID Chief Officer Georja Skinner. “By cultivating collaborations between businesses, working industry experts, and dedicated educators we have in our community, we build strong partnerships to ensure that student interests in future fields align with work-based learning.”
The event was part of the Creative Industries Sector Partnership’s Career Awareness initiative, a workforce development collaboration between employers and educators. Initial feedback from this year’s inaugural creative industries-focused externship has been positive.
“The event helped to spark and navigate my curiosity to learn about the relevant skills and mindsets needed for my students to be competitive within the creative industry,” said participant Mathieu Williams, a digital media teacher at Kealakehe High School. “I was able to make meaningful connections with industry professionals, other educators, and resource specialists that strengthened my sense of excellence necessary to facilitate learning experiences that truly matter for my students.”
Future plans include more externships and a forum bringing together industry employers and thought leaders. The next Good Jobs Hawai‘i Creative Industries Sector Partnership meeting is scheduled for June. Creative coursework is also being expanded through Good Jobs Hawai‘i for students across University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges.
For more information on learning and partnership opportunities, visit cid.hawaii.gov, cochawaii.org and uhcc.hawaii.edu/goodjobshawaii/.