For more than five years, HCATF has been reshaping education in Hawaii by forging strong partnerships with local schools. Launched in 2017, this initiative connects students to the Career Connections program, which integrates classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience in the construction trades. With 32 active partnerships today, the program serves as a critical link between education and industry, providing students with a direct path to careers and preparing them for workforce success in the trades.
Building Pathways in the Classroom
The Career Connections program is more than just a technical curriculum; it’s a pathway. High school students, traditionally immersed in subjects like math and language arts, are now integrating carpentry, safety, and life skills into their daily lessons. From understanding blueprints to learning OSHA standards, students gain a comprehensive view of what it takes to succeed in the construction industry.
For teachers, the program comes equipped with structured lesson plans, instructional materials, and ongoing support from HCATF’s coordinators. This enables educators to seamlessly incorporate construction-focused learning into their existing curriculum. And for students, it means exposure to career possibilities they may not have otherwise considered.
Since its launch, Career Connections has expanded from a modest pilot program in just three schools to a robust network that spans Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. In many of these schools, the program has already become a central part of the curriculum, allowing students to explore career paths they hadn’t previously imagined.
Success Stories: From Classroom to Job Site
The value of these partnerships goes beyond the classroom. Students who participate in the Career Connections program often go on to apply for HCATF’shighly sought-after Summer Internship. This internship places students directly on construction sites, where they can gain valuable real-world experience working alongside seasoned industry professionals.
Peahi Kalilikane of Aiea High School was a 2024 summer intern who transitioned from Career Connections to the internship. Peahi, like many others, turned classroom learning into a tangible career pathway, finding success not just in the classroom but on the job site as well Reflecting on the experience, Peahi said,
“This summer internship gave me more confidence and courage to really think about my future. With this, I’m 100% more confident that I will continue to strive to be a carpenter.”
In fact, the collective experience of the summer interns was overwhelmingly positive. In their post-internship surveys, students
described the internship as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that contributed to both their professional and personal growth. Many expressed a strong interest in continuing their journey in carpentry and drywall, approaching it with a positive mindset. A common piece of advice they shared for future interns was the importance of being teachable. Impressively, all students rated a five (strongly agree) when asked if they would recommend the summer internship to other high school students.
Expanding to Middle Schools
Looking to the future, HCATF is expanding its educational efforts by introducing the Career Connections curriculum to middle schools. This forward-thinking approach aims to expose younger students to the construction trades, allowing them to gain foundational skills before they even enter high school.
Middle school partnerships will focus on offering introductory-level courses in carpentry and related fields, giving students a taste of the trades while fostering an early interest in the construction industry.The goal is to build a pipeline that leads directly from middle school through high school and into HCATF’s apprenticeship programs.
By offering early exposure, HCATF is positioning itself not just as a workforce development leader but as a
catalyst for long-term change in how construction is perceived by young students. These middle school initiatives are designed to ensure that even the youngest students recognize that a future in construction is both viable and rewarding.
The Importances of Partnership: A Community Effort
The success of Career Connections and its impact on Hawaii’s workforce would not be possible without the vital support of local schools and the broader community. HCATF’s partnerships are founded on the belief that education and industry can – and should – work together to build a stronger future. When schools, unions, and industry leaders collaborate, the result is a more skilled and prepared workforce.
Kapuni Patcho, HCATF Training Coordinator and Instructor at Radford High School, highlights the benefits for students: “The value for our students is that it provides hands-on experience, insight into real-world applications, and mentorship opportunities that can help shape their future careers. For our construction partners in the industry, this collaboration creates a pipeline of prepared and motivated students to join the industry.”
Similarly, Wendell Tashiro underscores the mutual benefits of this collaboration, stating, “The partnership between Career Connections and HCATF creates a mutually beneficial environment for all involved. The construction industry benefits from
a steady supply of skilled workers, while our students gain valuable employment opportunities and the chance to contribute to the growth of our state. This collaboration not only strengthens our economy but also keeps our Ohana in Hawaii.”
These partnerships have the potential to transform the lives of Hawaii’s students, offering them a clear path to a sustainable and rewarding career. As HCATF continues to expand and strengthen these relationships, the outlook for Hawaii’s construction workforce grows brighter with each passing year.
