Workforce Development

While working to secure jobs in the present, The Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) is also active in preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

In 2006, PRP was instrumental in securing $5.5 million in permanent funding for Hawaii’s Construction Academy, a statewide program that enhances curriculum and pre-apprenticeship training opportunities for public school students. Construction Academy is administered through the University of Hawaii Community College system in partnership with the state Department of Education (DOE). By helping community colleges hire and train faculty who in turn teach building and construction courses in 35 public high schools, Construction Academy is helping to develop a quality workforce for the construction industry.

In addition, PRP also lends its support to Hawaii Construction Career Days, an annual event that allows high school students to learn more about the construction trade and its many career opportunities in an interactive, educational setting. In addition to job information, students also have the opportunity to experience operating machinery used on worksites and learn about individual trades through hands-on activities provided by the various trade unions. PRP believes that Hawaii Construction Career Days is a vital tool in fostering interest in our industry’s next generation of leaders, and supports this event through sponsorship as well as participation on the Board and Event Planning committees.

PRP also recently supported the College and Career Ready Diploma, approved by the state Board of Education in 2008. Available to students entering high school in Fall 2009, the new degree strengthens graduation requirements in math and English, providing students with more of the skills needed to be workplace-ready upon graduation.