HCC program grooms future tradesmen and women

HCC program grooms future tradesmen and women

Future Hawaii carpenters, welders, and plumbers are one step closer to securing jobs in the field.

63 high school students were recognized Thursdayfor their participation in a program geared toward shaping the future of Hawaii's tradesmen and women.

"They enroll in the regular building and construction classes at the DOE level and then we give them college credit in addition to their high school credit," Kenton Short of the Hawaii Community CollegeConstruction Academy said.

The high school 10th through 12th graders come from more than 15 Oahu schools and the program is also offered to neighbor island students as well.

"It is really valuable because it helps cause we have 23 programs here on campus. It also gives them the opportunity to explore different trades not only carpentry but welding, sheet metal as well," Short said.

This summer program also teaches students the basics of plumbing, architectural engineering and Computer-Aided Design technology.

"The bench at the carpenters is full yeah so we try to give them diversity as far as what they can choose," Short said. Diversity is encouraged. Females now account for more than 14% of the participants.

"There was only three of us in the first year and second year total its very rare," welder Jasmyne Garay said.

Garay was both a high school student participant and formerly enrolled at HCC after high school until she was picked up by a union. She says the training she received helped her hone her skills as a welder.

"You always measure twice, double check your work and then cut cause there is no pipe stretcher," Garay said.