Hawaiʻi residents are invited to sharpen high-demand creative industry skills through free courses by the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges’ Good Jobs Hawaiʻi initiative in collaboration with Hawaiʻi State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)’s Creative Industries Division.
“We are so happy to partner with DBEDT and our industry partners to provide free training in these high demand areas that will lead to better paying jobs and possible lifelong careers for the participants,” said UH Vice President of Community Colleges Erika Lacro. “Thousands of Hawaiʻi residents have received free training through our workforce programs that the UH community colleges have been offering since the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The free classes start in August 2024, and participants can learn to utilize advanced real-time 3D creation tools, design accessible user-friendly websites, get an introduction to the opportunities in esports through the UH’s award-winning collegiate esports program and develop an understanding of the unique accounting aspects involved in film and television production. Class sizes will be limited for specialized instruction, with registration now open at goodjobshawaii.org.
“By bringing together jobseekers, employers and educators, Good Jobs Hawaiʻi is maximizing learning opportunities and real-world workforce readiness in the community,” said DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka.
The newest creative industries classes and course dates include:
- Stage 32 Accounting for Media Production (asynchronous online class, August 7–September 17, 2024)
- Unreal Engine for Filmmakers (synchronous statewide virtual class, August 15–October 17, 2024)
- Introduction to UX/UI Design and ADA Essentials with AI (synchronous statewide virtual class, August 20–October 10, 2024)
- Intro to Esports Careers (synchronous statewide virtual class, August 26, 2024–August 6, 2025)
Industry need
Kenneth Burke, producer of Magnum P.I., said that at any given time, a TV series might require as many as eight accountants, just one example that underscores industry need.
“The preference would be to hire locally for these openings, but with only one or two specialized accountants for this work here in Hawaiʻi, there are at least six opportunities per show that end up being outsourced,” Burke said.
Helping thousands of residents
Read more about Good Jobs Hawaiʻi at UH News
Since the launch of Good Jobs Hawaiʻi in 2023, more than 4,000 residents throughout the state have enrolled in various free training programs across core industry sectors—healthcare, technology, clean energy/skilled trades, and creative industries. Eligible applicants receive tuition assistance for courses and other training costs, such as industry certification exam fees when applicable. In addition to the free tuition, each participant is also supported by a Good Jobs Hawaiʻi Navigator, who provides one-on-one guidance to ensure a student’s success. Their services include offering college and career advising, referring to community partners for support services, facilitating connections to employers, and providing various forms of financial assistance. To apply online for current trainings or to learn more about the initiative, visit Good Jobs Hawaiʻi.
Financial support is provided by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Economic Development Administration, and City and County of Honolulu. Grants from the Ascendium Education Group, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation support the UH Community Colleges’ coordination with industry partners in targeted sectors identified as recession-resilient in Hawaiʻi‘s Talent Roadmap to Recovery, issued by the Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative.
