Facing an entry-level workforce shortage, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) partnered with Good Jobs Hawaiʻi—a collaboration among the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges, employers and organizations to help local residents access well-paying, stable jobs—to address vacancies and fast-track employment.
Good Jobs Hawaiʻi launched a specialized “Green Jobs” course series to equip participants with the hands-on skills needed for careers in agriculture and conservation. Collaborating with Windward Community College, Good Jobs Hawaiʻi modified a plant propagation course to meet DPR’s minimum hiring requirements. The program focuses on real-world experience, mentorship and career navigation—enabling students to explore the field and prepare for immediate employment. Most Green Jobs courses are fully funded, eliminating financial barriers for career changers.
“Good Jobs Hawaiʻi actually helped me pay for the program and my schooling,” said Matthew Cordeiro, now employed as a nursery worker with DPR. “I’m excited for the future because I’ve got a good job that will take me where I want to go.”
Employers visit courses to connect with students, while dedicated career navigators provide wraparound support, helping participants overcome socioeconomic barriers and stay on track.
Of the 20 students in the plant propagation course, more than half applied for DPR jobs—five were hired immediately after completing the course. As a result, DPR vacancies dropped from 50 positions to just 6%. Green Jobs also cut the average onboarding timeline from 10 months to five.
“If you love the ʻāina and want to care for it, this program will help you do just that,” said graduate Marcy Lindsay.
Workforce development is a core pillar of the UH System Strategic Plan.
