A $16.4 million grant will be divided among the University of Hawaii Community Colleges to establish a regional workforce training system.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce will fund the “Resilient Hawaii: Good Jobs Challenge,” a recent University of Hawaii News release said. The initiative is a three-year project that will invest in four industry sectors: clean energy, creative industries, health care and technology.
“In collaboration with employers, industry associations, and community partners statewide, the Resilient Hawaii initiative will assist individuals whose employment opportunities were disrupted by COVID-19,” UH President David Lassner said in the release. ”UH is grateful for the support of our Congressional delegation, Governor David Ige, and all of our mayors for this amazing project that will connect residents throughout the islands with employer-driven training that leads to quality careers in sectors critical to Hawaii’s future.”
A coalition of more than 70 employers, training providers, community-based organizations and stakeholders “will develop, design, and implement workforce development programs,” the release said. Other partnerships will bring together Hawaii employers to translate and develop their skill needs into training programs, certifications and/or on-the-job training opportunities.
Funding for Resilient Hawaii will support the training and costs for participants. The initiative will train 3,000 participants and hopes to place at least 75% of those completing the programs into quality jobs. It will also focus on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to in order to help ensure equitable participation.
The programs will be based at UHʻs seven community colleges.
“By investing in workforce training programs in health care, technology, and clean energy, this new federal funding will connect industries that need workers with people who need jobs and help grow our local economy,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) said in the release.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) also touted the initiative.
“Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan to deliver investments in our community, and that’s exactly what this Good Jobs Challenge grant will do,” she said in the release. “This grant will enable the University of Hawaii and its partners to strengthen Hawaii’s economy in some of our most important industries while building a robust workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and equipping students with the skills they need to secure good jobs after graduation.”
