Hawai‘i residents will have the opportunity to enhance their skills in the creative industry with two new courses available for Spring 2025. These courses are offered through the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges’ Good Jobs Hawai‘i initiative, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID). The courses focus on accounting for media productions and production assistant fundamentals.
DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka stated, “Ensuring access to proper career training and skill building is key to cultivating a thriving workforce here in Hawaiʻi.” He emphasized that these courses aim to enhance educational and professional opportunities within the creative community.
Georja Skinner, chief officer of CID at DBEDT, noted the importance of production assistants as essential members of any media team. She mentioned that there is a demand for production accounting skills in the islands. "This is a unique area of expertise that’s in demand at every set and production office—with local productions or offshore, location-based productions," she said.
The training programs are designed to provide entry-level positions in productions or help professionals upskill their experience. Good Jobs Hawaiʻi offers free skills training across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, clean energy, skilled trades, and creative industries. Since its launch in 2023, over 5,000 residents have enrolled.
Eligible applicants can receive tuition assistance for courses and other costs like certification exam fees. Participants are also supported by a Good Jobs Hawai‘i Navigator who provides guidance to ensure success. Financial support comes from several sources including the U.S. Department of Education and City and County of Honolulu.
For more information or to apply online for current trainings, visit Good Jobs Hawaiʻi's website.