As students sharpen their pencils and settle back into classrooms this fall, 25 high schoolers are already a step ahead – armed not with notebooks, but with hard hats, steel-toed boots, and hands-on experience that’s setting them up for a future in construction. These students spent their summer working on some of Hawaii’s most ambitious construction projects, all thanks to the Career Connections Summer Internship program.
The summer internship is part of the broader Career Connections initiative – a nationwide program led by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) and the Carpenters International Training Fund (CITF). It’s not just about hammering nails and pouring concrete; it’s about building pathways. Introduced to Hawaii by the Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (HCATF) in 2017, Career Connections has expanded from a modest pilot in three schools to a network of 32 partner schools across the islands. At its core, the program is designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world application, guiding high school students into the trades.
Career Connections: Bridging Education & Opportunity
The program provides teachers with lesson plans, instructional materials, and a support system that turns high school courses into springboards for success in the trades. Students who complete these courses in Hawaii can apply for the HCATF Summer Internship – a paid, six-week experience that places them side by side with industry veterans on active construction sites.
Launched in 2019, the summer internship quickly became a hallmark of Hawaii’s Career Connections program. It’s more than just a summer job; it’s a gateway to certifications, career networks, and the kind of experience that only comes from getting your hands dirty on real-world projects. This year, interns got a taste of the action on projects across Oahu, Maui, and – for the first time – Lanai. From state-of-the-art mixed-use developments to critical infrastructure projects, the opportunities are as diverse as the islands themselves.
Highlights from the 2024 Internship
This summer’s cohort of 25 students didn’t just clock in and out – they dove headfirst into a training process that started with 40 hours of preparatory work, covering everything from OSHA 10 certifications to First Aid/CPR and essential tool safety. Armed with this foundation, they spent six weeks shadowing seasoned journeyworkers and field supervisors, getting an insider’s view of what it really means to be a construction professional.
The students had the chance to work with some of Hawaii’s most established contractors, including Artistic Builders (Maui), Bruce Matson, Gill Construction, Group Builders, Hawaiian Dredging, Albert C. Kobayashi (Oahu and Maui), Nordic PCL, Shioi Construction (Oahu and Maui), Swinerton, and Unlimited Construction. Their contributions spanned landmark projects like Hawaii’s first Amazon facility, the Hawaii State Veterans Home, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Mixed-Use Housing Project.
One standout participant, Makana Dayton – a Radford High School graduate – interned with Swinerton and worked on high-profile projects like the International Market Place, UH Manoa, and Waikiki Beachcomber. “I gained a lot of knowledge and experience from this program,” Dayton said. “It wasn’t easy, but it opened many doors for me. I’m passionate about staying in the trade and joining the union.”
The 2024 group included two female graduates, highlighting ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive environment in the trades. While six women have completed the program over the past five years, this is just the start. HCATF is committed to growing these numbers, proving the trades are open to all and building a pathway for future female leaders in the industry.
Measuring Success: The Impact of Career Connections
Makana’s story and those of the program’s female trailblazers are just a few examples of Career Connections’ lasting impact. Since the summer internship’s launch in 2019, 100 students have completed the program, with 63 joining HCATF’s apprenticeship program. Of those Career Connections and Summer Internship graduates, 73% now proudly serve as members of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, contributing to Hawaii’s evolving landscape.
Contractors have nothing but praise for the program’s ability to produce work-ready apprentices. As Derrick Apilado of Swinerton Builders notes, “I think this Summer Internship was the most successful one yet. I’m proud that Swinerton takes part in youth development programs. I believe early mentoring opens better opportunities to instill stronger core values, ethics, skills, and safety culture. I enjoy this program because it gives the opportunity to coach and set expectations with students entering the trade, which results in higher retention.”
The positive feedback is a testament to the program’s ability to balance education with industry needs, ensuring that every graduate is equipped not just for a job, but for a career.
Looking Ahead
The Summer Internship is a launchpad for Hawaii’s future workforce. With a strong foundation, ever-expanding partnerships, and a curriculum that adapts to meet industry demands, the program isn’t just preparing students – it’s inspiring them to see the trades as a fulfilling career path.
HCATF Training Coordinator Kapuni Patcho who plays a key role in the internship program, couldn’t be prouder of what the students have achieved. “This program has been incredibly successful for the union, the trades, and the construction industry. It gives students a taste of real-world experience, helps them explore construction as a career, and lets them earn a living wage while learning essential skills.”
As we wrap up another successful year of the Career Connections Summer Internship, we’re reminded that the path from high school to a career in the trades isn’t just a straight line – it’s a bridge. And that bridge is leading Hawaii’s youth toward brighter futures and a stronger workforce, while building lasting infrastructure for the community.
