Constructing the Next Workforce Generation

Honolulu CC Recognizes Summer Construction Academy Students

Summer Construction Academy student.

Summer Construction Academy student.

(Honolulu) – The construction industry is on the rise in Hawai‘i, and with the future workforce projection, Honolulu Community College is providing career exploration to 66 high school students representing 20 public, private and charter schools, including the Hawai'i Youth Challenge Academy.

The participants will be recognized for successfully completing the six-week program that gave them introductory knowledge of carpentry, sheetmetal, welding and autobody. All their projects will be on display during a student showcase at the Summer Construction Academy Recognition Ceremony:

Friday, July 8, 2016
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Honolulu Community College Cafeteria

Media Inquires: Billie Lueder at (808) 295-2467

“The goal of the Summer Construction Academy program is to give our students the chance to experience the college campus environment and courses offered. Students got to experience hands-on activities that will give them insight into careers and educational pathways in the various disciplines of the construction industry, thus giving them the opportunity to make informed choices, so that they can steer their own futures,” explains Summer Construction Academy coordinator, Calvin Matutino. 

Eleven of the 66 students returned as advanced participants, applying what they previously learned to multiple projects, such as constructing three metal-framed walls, and building child-sized picnic tables that will be donated to preschools within the community.

The Construction Academy Summer Program started with 12 students in 2008 and has grown over its eight-year existence. The summer experience is an extension of the Construction Academy, which is in approximately 16 high schools across the state during the academic year, filling the gap of industrial education in the public schools. The program was established through a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and continues to operate solely on legislative funding. 

“We instill the traits individuals need to find work - employability skills, like how to maintain your job, arrive to work on time, giving a courtesy call when absent to work or when late, volunteering for overtime when approached by your employer, being accountable and responsible. We want the students to never give up.  There will be obstacles, but if they push forward they will be able to accomplish any goal,” Matutino continues. 

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