The United States Department of Labor selected recent University of Hawaiʻi Maui College graduate Shayden Aoyagi, a Longs Drugs pharmacy technician, to be in the first cohort of the Apprentice Trailblazer Initiative, part of a national movement to diversify, modernize and strengthen registered apprenticeships. Aoyagi will serve as a role model for other career seekers across the country by sharing his story and experience as an apprentice.
A native of Maui, Aoyagi became interested in the healthcare field as a high school senior, when he realized how FDA-approved prescription drugs could help millions live healthier lives, from controlling blood sugar to curing an infection.
He was eager to attend the UH Maui College’s pharmacy technician program. While he was a student there, Aoyagi, completed a registered pharmacy technician apprenticeship at Longs Drugs on Oʻahu.
Since graduating, Aoyagi has been helping other students by serving as a teacher’s assistant at the new Pharmacy Technician Career Skills Lab at UH Maui College, funded in partnership with CVS Health, the parent company of Longs Drugs. He also mentors pharmacy technician students onsite who work at Longs Drugs.
Model pharmacy
A workforce development initiative, the career skills lab opened this fall and serves as a vital training resource for in-demand jobs. Designed like a real Longs Drugs pharmacy, the lab offers hands-on skills training utilizing UH Maui College curriculum for those needing employment training and job placement.
“Learning how to navigate a pharmacy setting can be difficult at first,” said Aoyagi, who now lives in Honolulu. “The career skills lab teaches pharmacy technician students proper workflow and helps to prevent developing bad habits. This type of real-life pharmacy environment takes learning to the next level.”
Students can use the training lab to gain work experience, and once they enter the workforce, continue to practice any skills they find challenging. Eligible students can also participate in paid work experiences, many of which are at retail pharmacy sites.
“Through our collaboration with UH Maui College, the new career skills lab’s hands-on instruction, mock store environment and experiential learning are invaluable in helping to develop the next generation of needed health care professionals in the state of Hawaiʻi and beyond,” said Trang Malone, CVS Health workforce initiatives manager.
Moving abroad
Aoyagi is excited about his future. In 2024, he will be studying pharmacy research abroad through a partnership between Toho University in Tokyo, Japan, and the UH Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.
Offering advice to others seeking a new career path of their own, he said, “Follow your dreams and your passion, and they will take you where you want to go.”
