On Saturday, June 7, 2025, 200 proud graduates and their families gathered at HCATF’s Kapolei Training Centers to mark a milestone, years in the making: the completion of their apprenticeship program. Hosted by HCATF and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, the Journeyworker Recognition Ceremony celebrated the achievements of 159 carpentry, 39 drywall, and – for the first time ever – 2 millwright apprentices from across the state, who officially transitioned into the next chapter of their careers.
The morning began with training center tours and breakfast, followed by a formal ceremony emceed by KHON2’s Gina Mangieri. Guest speakers included HCATF Executive Director Edmund C. Aczon, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the HRCC Ron Taketa, Department of Labor & Industrial Relations Director Jade Butay, Honolulu Community College Dean of Transportation and Trades Preshess Willets-Vaquilar, Shioi Construction Chairman Conrad Murashige, and other union and education leaders.
But the heart of the event belonged to the graduates – women and men who arrived as apprentices and left as skilled professionals ready to lead.
“This is more than a ceremony – it’s a reminder of what can be built with time, discipline, and the right support,” said Aczon.
“Becoming a journeyworker isn’t just about knowing your trade. It’s about taking pride in your craft and helping those who come after you.”
This achievement marks more than just a title change; it symbolizes hard-earned growth. Over the course of four years,
these individuals developed not only technical knowledge, but the grit, teamwork, and adaptability that the construction
industry demands.
“Every year I have the pleasure of welcoming a new group of journeyworkers at their recognition ceremony at the HCATF
Training Center in Kapolei,” said Taketa. “I meet the families that supported and sacrificed while their loved ones put in the years of hard work and training to achieve journey status. The goal of the Hawaii Carpenters is to produce the most competent labor force in the world, and these new journeyworkers – with their skills, knowledge, and attitude – will become the future leaders on their jobsites and in our industry.”
A Transformation in Motion
While the path to journeyworker status is grounded in hours of training and classroom instruction, the experience often brings
about a deeper shift. For many, it’s also a personal transformation – shaped by early morning call times, trial-and-error learning, mentorship, and steady progress.
For millwright graduate Andrew Mayberry, the program was both a professional and personal turning point. “What I wanted to do was build a better life for myself and a better future,” he shared. Drawn to the trades by his interest in building and problem-solving, Mayberry found fulfillment in the hands-on work: “I like figuring out problems to solutions – figuring out how to make things work.”
Reflecting on his journey, he called the program “a very humbling experience,” one that taught him not only technical skills, but also how to work hard and navigate the challenges of collaborating with many different kinds of people. Looking ahead, Mayberry hopes to continue growing in his career – whether by becoming a union representative, teaching future apprentices, or even one day running his own business.
These stories show that the title “journeyworker” isn’t just a credential – it’s a marker of maturity, resilience, and readiness. Whether they’re continuing in the field, mentoring new apprentices, or stepping into leadership, graduates carry with them the knowledge that growth doesn’t stop here.
Looking Ahead
The ceremony was also a reminder that the construction industry is evolving. With Hawaii’s growing demand for skilled labor, today’s journeyworkers aren’t just joining the workforce – they’re stepping into roles that will shape the future of the trades.
That future was easy to see. Many graduates attended with children, spouses, parents, and loved ones – proof that the path through the trades is about more than career. It’s about the ability to support and uplift family.
As the ceremony closed and graduates moved through the crowd – greeting instructors, taking photos, and guiding loved ones on training center tours – it was clear something lasting had been built. And it wasn’t just certificates. It was confidence, connection, and community.
“If you ever wonder what the future of this industry looks like,” said Aczon, “just look at who showed up to celebrate today.”
