workforce development
OVERVIEW
As Hawai‘i pivots from reliance on imported fossil fuels to embracing locally produced energy, we are unlocking exciting career opportunities. These well-paying roles will play a pivotal role in shaping the daily lives of Hawai‘i’s residents, enhancing local businesses and help to achieve our goal to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
We are collaborating with a diverse network of private, public, and community-based partners, all committed to nurturing the next generation of Hawai‘i’s energy sector professionals. Our focus extends to empowering our youth and supporting historically low-income communities in accessing these opportunities.
For more information or to get involved, please reach out to our Energy Training Specialist, Jo Ann Cantú, at [email protected].
GOOD JOBS HAWAI’I
Launched in January 2023, Good Jobs Hawai‘i (GJHI) is a $35 million initiative that represents a dynamic collaboration across public and private sectors. This workforce development program, spearheaded by prominent leaders in Hawai‘i, focuses on equipping residents with essential skills and facilitating job placements in four burgeoning industries:
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Renewable Energy / Skilled Trades
- Creative Industries
Operating under the leadership of the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, GJHI brings together educators, businesses, and community stakeholders in a powerful coalition. This partnership is dedicated to preparing both local and mainland residents for high-quality careers within Hawai‘i, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of our evolving economic landscape.
As part of GJHI, the Hawai‘i State Energy Office (HSEO) takes the lead in the renewable energy and skilled trades sector. We are actively engaging with stakeholders through the Clean Energy Sector Partnership to develop and refine workforce education and training.
CLEAN ENERGY SECTOR PARTNERSHIP
Established in May 2023, the Clean Energy Sector Partnership (CESP) is a robust coalition led by industry experts, encompassing employers, educators, and community organizations. The CESP is dedicated to shaping a skilled workforce by focusing on several key areas:
- Identifying in-demand entry-level positions and developing clear career pathways.
- Pinpointing essential skills required in the clean energy sector.
- Developing and disseminating training resources to meet industry needs.
- Facilitating on-the-job training, enhancing both employment opportunities and career progression.
To join the CESP:
- Sign the Talent Pledge: Demonstrate your commitment to fostering a skilled clean energy workforce.
- Submit the Intake Form: Help us understand your organization’s needs and capabilities.
- Contact HSEO directly: Reach out to Jo Ann Cantú at [email protected] for more information.
CLEAN ENERGY SECTOR PARTNERSHIP MEETINGS
Clean Energy Sector Partnership (CESP) Steering Committee
The CESP is guided by a Steering Committee, a vital group responsible for deciding on the priorities and order of business of the organization. This committee manages the general course of its operations, ensuring strategic alignment and effective oversight.
Full CESP Membership Meeting Schedule
Our meeting schedule is designed to promote collaboration and continuous engagement among all members. We meet as follows:
- Quarterly Virtual Meetings: The Full CESP convenes online quarterly to discuss ongoing projects and strategic initiatives.
- Annual In-Person Meeting: Once a year, we gather in person to deepen connections and collaborate more extensively on key issues.
KEIKI-TO-CAREER
Workforce development and education starts at a young age. Hawai’i’s youth must be aware of the good careers in Hawaii’s energy fields, the required knowledge and skills to enter the workforce, and the available resources to support their career development.
HSEO has been increasing its capacity for guiding Hawaiʻi’s next generation of clean energy leaders by providing technical support and engagement capacity for a variety of programs.
HSEO developed a statewide clean energy public education and outreach program to empower teacher, student, and family participation in Hawai‘i’s transition to a decarbonized economy, and to encourage Hawai‘i’s K-12 students to become the next generation of energy leaders. Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 196-10.5, directs the HSEO to work with public institutions to develop a clean energy public education plan. HSEO, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE), contracted the Maui Economic Development Board to develop clean energy curricula and toolkits to train teachers in primarily Title I K-12 schools in Hawai‘i.
HIDOE offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which provides a framework for incorporating career exploration into high school curricula. The Energy Pathway was developed with the support of industry, teacher, and administrative representatives and is launching its pilot in the 2023-2024 school year. The Energy Pathway includes three Programs of Study – Renewable Energy Technology, Alternative Fuels Technology, and Power Grid Technology – each leading with a Foundations of Energy course in the first year and then following with three subsequent courses. HSEO serves as a member of the Pathway Advisory Council and Pilot Project Team to support the identification of industry standards and relevant certifications, curriculum development for individual teachers, coordination with employers in Hawai‘i’s energy industry to provide career exposure opportunities and in-class engagement.
The Clean Energy Wayfinders are based throughout the State and share information and opportunities with their local communities. They support youth energy education by engaging students in their classrooms and afterschool programs with accessible energy information. The Wayfinders help students understand how energy works in our everyday lives and encourage them to envision career opportunities in Hawaiʻi’s sustainable future.
