Your Future Workforce Starts Here
Support Hawaii’s next generation of tradesworkers — while building your team’s future.
HCATF’s Summer Internship Program connects high school students with real-world experience on local jobsites. By hosting an intern, you develop future talent, strengthen our industry, and contribute to Hawai‘i’s long-term workforce sustainability. In doing so, you help bridge education and employment – creating a pathway that benefits both your company and our community.
The HCATF Career Connections Summer Internship
Host an Intern. Create an Impact.
Solid Foundations.
Success that Lasts.
WHY HOST AN INTERN?
It’s simple, short-term, and high impact.
BASICS
- Interns complete OSHA-10 and First Aid training before arriving on site
- Commit to just one intern and one mentor for six weeks
- We manage all paperwork and provide onboarding support
- You gain a motivated, job-ready student eager to learn and contribute
- As a result, you help grow the skilled workforce Hawaii needs
What Contractors
Are Saying
HOW IT WORKS
We support you every step of the way.
YOU’LL RECEIVE
- Intern profiles to review and select the best fit for your team
- Clear onboarding materials including sample schedules and mentorship tips
- Ongoing support and regular check-ins from our team
- Recognition in our year-end report and media recap
FAQ
It’s a 6-week paid internship for high school students from Hawaii public schools who are interested in the skilled trades. Hosted by HCATF, the program connects students with real-world jobsite experience under the guidance of union signatory contractors.
All interns complete 40 hours of prep training, including:
- OSHA-10 Certification
- First Aid/CPR
- Tool identification
- Jobsite etiquette
- Construction math
- Soft skills and communication
They show up ready to learn — and ready to work.
We keep it simple. You provide:
- A safe jobsite and supportive environment
- One or more supervisors willing to guide the intern(s)
- An opportunity for the intern to observe, assist, and participate appropriately
- Basic feedback at the end of the internship (we’ll prompt this)
- Interns are placed for 6 weeks (June – July)
- They work regular daytime hours, based on your schedule and capacity
- Some contractors host just one intern — that’s totally fine!
Yes. Interns are employees of your company for the duration of the program. Contractors pay a standard entry-level hourly wage.
We provide onboarding support and help with paperwork.
Yes. You’ll receive a packet with intern profiles — including video introductions and written responses. You’ll have the opportunity to request the intern(s) who best fit your jobsite and crew.
Interns are expected to assist, observe, and learn — not to replace a journeyworker. Typical tasks include:
- Helping set up or clean the site
- Shadowing journeymen or apprentices
- Learning tool use and safety practices
- Participating in entry-level tasks with supervision
We understand not every intern will be the perfect match. We’re here to support you throughout the program. Some contractors choose not to bring interns back in future years; others end up hiring them. No long-term obligation either way.
- Identify and mentor future apprentices
- Evaluate potential talent with no long-term commitment
- Give back to the industry by shaping Hawaii’s next generation of builders
- Promote your company as a workforce development leader
- Fill out the Contractor Interest Form
- We’ll follow up in January with more details and matching information
- Questions? Contact Natalie Millon
READY TO GET INVOLVED?
Just Exploring?
Let us know – we’ll keep you in the loop and share updates.
Ready to Commit?
Sign up now and we’ll send you our onboarding packet.