On Hawaii Island, apprentice David Miller became the island’s first apprentice to earn his Associate’s degree in Applied Trades. The program facilitated by Hawaii Community College in partnership with Honolulu Community College – offers a distance learning pathway for registered union apprentices living on neighbor islands.
Until recently, Hawaii Island apprentices had no direct route to apply their apprenticeship credits toward an associate degree. But in the wake of the pandemic, the expansion of remote learning – and persistent coordination by HCATF advocates across the islands – opened new doors.
This May, David travelled to Oahu to participate in graduation and receive his degree – a milestone years in the making. His accomplishment reflects the growing success of educational alternatives for apprentices statewide.
“A debt-free pathway is what we continue to endorse,” said HCATF Training Coordinator Mereane Hamatake, who helped coordinate David’s enrollment. “To see someone leverage their trade work to gain a degree – always improving themselves and their opportunities – is inspiring.” Congratulations, David!
