Hawaii Apprenticeship Programs

Hawaii Apprenticeship Programs

Hawaii Apprenticeship Programs

Hawaii Apprenticeship Resource Guide

Find Registered Apprenticeships, apprenticeship sponsors, community-college programs, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, workforce assistance, island-specific resources, and other earn-and-learn opportunities across Hawaii.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an earn-and-learn approach that combines paid work with training for an occupation.

You learn by doing the job while earning a paycheck.

Depending on the employer and program, the training may be highly structured—or it may be more informal and employer-designed.

The details vary.

That is why it is important to understand what type of apprenticeship you are considering.

🟦 Registered Apprenticeship

A Registered Apprenticeship is a specific, formally approved type of apprenticeship.

Unlike the broader use of the word apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship follows defined standards and is reviewed and registered by an authorized government apprenticeship agency.

A Registered Apprenticeship includes:

  • Paid employment — you are employed and earn wages while training.
  • Structured On-the-Job Learning — the program establishes what you will learn in the workplace.
  • Approved Related Instruction — classroom or technical learning follows an established curriculum connected with the occupation.
  • Experienced mentoring — you learn under the guidance of skilled, experienced workers.
  • Progressive wages — apprentices receive wage increases as their skills and experience grow according to the program's standards.
  • Defined training requirements — the program establishes the time, competencies, or combination of requirements needed for completion.
  • Government registration and oversight — the program must meet established apprenticeship standards.
  • Recognized completion credential — successful completion leads to a recognized Registered Apprenticeship credential.

The key distinction is simple:

  • An apprenticeship can be employer-designed.
  • A Registered Apprenticeship must meet defined standards.

🟩 Employer / Unregistered Apprenticeship

Some Hawaii employers offer apprenticeships that are not Registered Apprenticeships.

These can still be valuable paid career pathways.

They may provide:

  • Structured workplace training
  • Mentoring
  • Wage increases
  • Technical or classroom instruction
  • Industry credentials
  • College credit
  • Advancement into skilled employment

These features vary by employer and program.

Before accepting an employer apprenticeship, ask:

  • Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • How is the training organized?
  • Who will train and mentor me?
  • How long does the program last?
  • What skills will I learn?
  • How does my pay increase?
  • Is technical instruction included?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • What job will I be qualified for when I finish?

Why Registered Apprenticeship Gets Special Attention

Both Registered and employer-designed apprenticeships can provide valuable paid career training.

Registered Apprenticeship receives special attention because the program has been formally registered and must follow established apprenticeship standards.

That gives you greater clarity about:

  • What you will learn
  • How you will be trained
  • Who will mentor you
  • How your wages will progress
  • What completion requires
  • What credential you will earn

Hawaii apprenticeship is particularly important in career areas such as:

  • Construction and skilled trades
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Automotive
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • Information technology
  • Public-sector occupations
  • Other skilled careers

Hawaii's island geography also makes the location of the paid job and Related Instruction especially important.

A program on Oahu may not be practical for a career seeker living on Hawaii Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, or Lanai.

That is why this guide includes island-specific search guidance.

How This Guide Is Organized

Use the sections that match what you need.

  • 🟦 Registered Apprenticeship — Hawaii's official apprenticeship resources, sponsors, Apprenticeship.com, Apprenticeship.gov, and ways to find opportunities.
  • 🟪 Community College & Education-Connected Apprenticeship — University of Hawaii Community Colleges, Related Instruction, employer partnerships, college credit, certificates, and degrees.
  • 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning — high-school pathways, CTE, employer connections, and resources for students, parents, and counselors.
  • 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship — preparation programs designed to connect participants with Registered Apprenticeship and skilled employment.
  • 👷 Sponsors & Industry Programs — employers, unions, industry organizations, and established apprenticeship programs.
  • 🏛️ Government & Public-Sector Resources — state and county government, transportation, utilities, education, and public employers.
  • 📍 Island & Regional Resources — Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui County, Kauai, and neighboring-island considerations.
  • 🟥 Specialized Resources — veterans, transitioning service members, people with disabilities, women in nontraditional careers, reentry, opportunity youth, and other groups.
  • 🟩 Beyond Registered Apprenticeship — employer/unregistered apprenticeship, OJT, paid Work-Based Learning, co-op, employer-paid training, and trainee programs.

For definitions of WBL, OJT, RTI, pre-apprenticeship, and other workforce terms, see the Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary on the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides page.

What the Colored Squares Mean

  • 🟦 Registered Apprenticeship
  • 🟪 College & Education-Connected Apprenticeship
  • 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship
  • 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship
  • 🟩 Other Paid Earn-and-Learn
  • 🟥 Military & Specialized Career Resources
  • ⬛ Search, Workforce & Discovery Resources

Other symbols identify industries or resource types such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, transportation, government, and utilities.

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=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 1B ===

🟩 Best Places to Start

Hawaii career seekers should combine state apprenticeship resources with federal searches, workforce services, community colleges, apprenticeship sponsors, and employer career sites.

🟦 Hawaii Apprenticeship Division

The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations — Workforce Development Division administers Registered Apprenticeship resources in Hawaii.

Use Hawaii's official apprenticeship resources to investigate:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Apprenticeship sponsors
  • Apprenticeable occupations
  • Program requirements
  • Related Instruction
  • Employer programs

🟦 Hawaii Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Hawaii publishes information on apprenticeship programs and sponsors operating in the state.

Start with:

An established sponsor may exist even when it is not currently advertising a vacancy.

⬛ Apprenticeship.com

Use Apprenticeship.com as an additional apprenticeship and earn-and-learn discovery resource.

If Registered Apprenticeship status matters, verify the program through an authoritative Hawaii or federal source.

🟦 Apprenticeship.gov

Use:

  • Job Finder for current apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Partner Finder to identify established sponsors.

⬛ HireNet Hawaii

HireNet Hawaii is the state's public workforce and employment system.

Search:

  • Apprentice
  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Maintenance trainee
  • Operator trainee
  • Automotive technician
  • Utility trainee
  • Healthcare trainee
  • Paid training
  • Development program

⬛ American Job Centers Hawaii

Hawaii's American Job Centers can help career seekers investigate employment and training resources.

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Current apprentice recruiting
  • WIOA
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Occupational training
  • Youth services
  • Employer recruiting
  • Supportive services

Search by Island

Hawaii requires an additional search question that is less important in most states:

Where does the apprenticeship actually take place?

When researching a program, determine:

  • Which island has the paid job?
  • Where is Related Instruction provided?
  • Is classroom instruction online or in person?
  • Is inter-island travel required?
  • Does the sponsor recruit on more than one island?
  • Does the employer provide any travel assistance?

Do not assume that a statewide organization has apprentice positions on every island.

No Opening Today?

A Registered Apprenticeship can exist even when the sponsor is not currently recruiting.

If you find a program that interests you:

  • Identify the sponsor.
  • Visit the sponsor's website.
  • Check application periods.
  • Search Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder.
  • Contact the education provider.
  • Ask an American Job Center.
  • Ask which island the next apprentice class will serve.
  • Ask when applications reopen.

The goal is to identify both current openings and established programs that may recruit later.

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🟪 Hawaii Community College & Education-Connected Apprenticeship

Hawaii's community colleges can be important education partners for apprenticeship, workforce training, and skilled-career preparation.

Depending on the program, a college may:

  • Provide Related Instruction
  • Partner with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors
  • Work with apprenticeship employers
  • Provide technical education
  • Award college credit where applicable
  • Connect occupational training with certificates or degrees
  • Support pre-apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning

An important distinction:

The employer or apprenticeship sponsor generally provides the paid apprenticeship job.

Do not assume that enrolling in a community-college program automatically makes you an apprentice.

Ask:

  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors work with this college?
  • Which employers are hiring apprentices?
  • Do I apply to the employer, sponsor, union, or college first?
  • Does the college provide Related Instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship training earn college credit?
  • Can apprenticeship lead toward a certificate or degree?
  • Who pays for the education?

🟪 University of Hawaii Community Colleges

The University of Hawaii Community Colleges serve communities across the islands and provide career and technical education connected with regional employers.

The system includes:

  • Hawaii Community College
  • Honolulu Community College
  • Kapiolani Community College
  • Kauai Community College
  • Leeward Community College
  • University of Hawaii Maui College
  • Windward Community College

Career and technical programs vary by campus.

🟪 Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College is especially important for apprenticeship and skilled-trade education on Oahu.

Career seekers should investigate apprenticeship-related and technical education in areas such as:

  • Construction trades
  • Electrical
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning
  • Automotive
  • Diesel
  • Welding
  • Sheet metal
  • Other skilled occupations

Ask which current Registered Apprenticeship sponsors use Honolulu Community College for Related Instruction.

🟪 Leeward Community College

Ask about:

  • Workforce training
  • Employer partnerships
  • Technical education
  • Information technology
  • Manufacturing-related training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning

🟪 Kapiolani Community College

Career areas to investigate include:

  • Healthcare
  • Culinary
  • Hospitality
  • Automotive
  • Information technology
  • Other employer-connected programs

🟪 Hawaii Community College

Hawaii Community College serves Hawaii Island.

Career seekers should investigate technical and workforce education connected with:

  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Diesel
  • Welding
  • Information technology
  • Hospitality
  • Other island workforce needs

Ask which employers or apprenticeship sponsors currently partner with the college.

🟪 University of Hawaii Maui College

Ask about current employer-connected pathways in:

  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Information technology
  • Sustainable technologies
  • Other technical fields

🟪 Kauai Community College

Ask about:

  • Technical education
  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • Employer partnerships
  • Apprenticeship connections

🟪 College Credit & Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship and college do not always have to be competing choices.

Depending on the program, a Hawaii apprentice may be able to combine:

  • Paid employment
  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Related Instruction
  • College credit
  • Industry credentials
  • A certificate
  • An associate degree

Ask:

  • Does apprenticeship instruction carry college credit?
  • Can apprenticeship experience count toward a college credential?
  • Can industry credentials receive college credit?
  • Can I continue toward a higher credential after apprenticeship?
  • Does the employer or sponsor pay tuition or education costs?

Questions to Ask a Hawaii Community College

Ask:

  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors do you currently work with?
  • Which employers are hiring apprentices?
  • Which occupations are supported?
  • Does the college provide Related Instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
  • Is pre-apprenticeship available?
  • Are paid Work-Based Learning or co-op opportunities available?
  • Is workforce funding available?
  • Is instruction available on my island?
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🟨 Hawaii Youth Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning

Hawaii students can begin preparing for apprenticeship and skilled careers through Career and Technical Education, Work-Based Learning, community-college pathways, and employer partnerships.

Start with:

🟨 Hawaii Career & Technical Education

Career and Technical Education can help students explore and prepare for occupations before entering the workforce.

Career areas may include:

  • Construction
  • Engineering and technology
  • Healthcare
  • Information technology
  • Agriculture
  • Natural resources
  • Hospitality
  • Culinary
  • Transportation
  • Other career fields

Ask whether the local CTE pathway connects with:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • Employers
  • University of Hawaii Community Colleges
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Industry credentials

🟨 Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning can connect students with employers while they are still in school.

Depending on the program, students may participate in:

  • Career exploration
  • Workplace experience
  • Employer-connected projects
  • Occupational training
  • Paid employment

Work-Based Learning is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Ask:

  • Is the experience paid?
  • Is the student an employee?
  • Which employer participates?
  • What occupational skills will the student learn?
  • Does the employer operate a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Can the experience lead to apprenticeship after graduation?

🟨 For Parents & Counselors

Parents and counselors can help students distinguish among:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • CTE
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Community-college technical education

Ask:

  • Is the student an employee?
  • Is the opportunity paid?
  • Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Which employer participates?
  • What occupational skills will the student learn?
  • What credential can the student earn?
  • Can the student earn college credit?
  • What happens after completion?

🟧 Hawaii Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship prepares participants to enter and succeed in apprenticeship.

It is not Registered Apprenticeship.

A pre-apprenticeship may provide:

  • Career exploration
  • Occupational preparation
  • Hands-on technical training
  • Construction math
  • Safety training
  • Workplace readiness
  • Industry credentials
  • Employer exposure
  • Connections with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors

Pre-apprenticeship may be:

  • Paid
  • Stipend-supported
  • Unpaid

Before enrolling, ask:

  • Is the program free?
  • Is there a wage or stipend?
  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors participate?
  • What occupation does the program prepare me for?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Does completion provide preferred consideration or advanced standing?
  • What paid opportunity can follow?
  • Is the program available on my island?

🟧 Construction Apprenticeship Readiness

Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship-readiness programs can be especially useful for people interested in Hawaii's building trades.

Preparation may include:

  • Construction math
  • Workplace safety
  • Physical preparation
  • Tools
  • Industry terminology
  • Interview preparation
  • Apprenticeship applications

Ask which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors recognize or recruit from the program.

🟧 Evaluate Where Pre-Apprenticeship Leads

A strong pathway should provide a clear bridge:

career preparation → occupational skills → sponsor or employer connection → paid apprenticeship or employment

Do not evaluate pre-apprenticeship only by the classes it provides.

Evaluate where participants go next.

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=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 2A ===

👷 Hawaii Apprenticeship Sponsors & Industry Programs

Finding a Registered Apprenticeship is not only about finding a current job posting.

A sponsor may operate an established apprenticeship even when it is not currently recruiting.

Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can include:

  • Individual employers
  • Groups of employers
  • Unions
  • Joint labor-management organizations
  • Industry associations
  • Public agencies
  • Education organizations
  • Other approved sponsors

Use:

When you identify a sponsor, ask:

  • Which occupations do you train?
  • Which island or islands do you serve?
  • When do applications open?
  • How often do you recruit?
  • What are the entry requirements?
  • Is testing required?
  • Where is Related Instruction provided?
  • Is inter-island travel required?
  • What is the starting wage?
  • How does wage progression work?

👷 Construction & Skilled Trades

Construction is one of Hawaii's most established apprenticeship sectors.

Search:

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • Pipefitter apprentice
  • Sheet-metal apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Operating engineer apprentice
  • Ironworker apprentice
  • Construction craft laborer
  • Painter apprentice
  • Roofer apprentice
  • Elevator constructor apprentice
  • Other building trades

Use:

👷 Union & Joint Apprenticeship Programs

Union and joint labor-management programs are an important route into Hawaii construction careers.

Search for apprenticeship in:

  • Electrical
  • Carpentry
  • Plumbing and pipe trades
  • Sheet metal
  • Operating engineering
  • Ironwork
  • Laborers
  • Painting and finishing
  • Elevator construction
  • Other building trades

Before applying, confirm:

  • Registered Apprenticeship status
  • Application period
  • Island or geographic jurisdiction
  • Starting wage
  • Wage progression
  • Related Instruction
  • Training location
  • Testing requirements
  • Fees

Application periods may be limited.

If applications are closed, ask when the next recruiting period is expected.

🏗️ Construction Career Search

Hawaii's construction market includes:

  • Residential construction
  • Commercial construction
  • Public infrastructure
  • Military construction
  • Hotel and resort construction
  • Renovation
  • Utility infrastructure

Search contractors as well as apprenticeship sponsors.

A contractor may participate in a multi-employer apprenticeship program even when the apprenticeship program itself has a different organization name.

⚡ Energy & Utilities

Hawaii's utility and clean-energy transition creates technical career pathways in:

  • Electrical systems
  • Linework
  • Power generation
  • Renewable energy
  • Utility maintenance
  • Solar
  • Battery storage
  • Instrumentation

Recommended searches:

  • Lineworker apprentice
  • Utility apprentice
  • Electrical technician
  • Substation technician
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Plant operator trainee
  • Solar technician
  • Battery technician
  • Maintenance technician

Some utility programs may be Registered Apprenticeships.

Others may be employer-designed apprenticeships or trainee programs.

Verify the specific pathway.

🚰 Water & Wastewater

Water and wastewater systems provide technical careers across Hawaii.

Search:

  • Water treatment operator trainee
  • Wastewater treatment operator trainee
  • Water distribution operator
  • Utility worker
  • Maintenance technician
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Electrical technician

Check:

  • County governments
  • Water departments
  • Boards of water supply
  • Wastewater systems
  • Public works departments

Ask:

  • Is the position paid?
  • Is training provided?
  • Does the employer pay for certification?
  • Is there structured wage progression?
  • Is the position part of a Registered Apprenticeship?
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=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 2B ===

🚗 Automotive & Transportation

Hawaii employers can provide apprenticeship and paid-training pathways in:

  • Automotive repair
  • Diesel technology
  • Fleet maintenance
  • Heavy equipment
  • Public transportation
  • Commercial transportation
  • Equipment maintenance

Recommended searches:

  • Automotive technician apprentice
  • Diesel technician apprentice
  • Fleet mechanic apprentice
  • Heavy-equipment technician
  • Bus mechanic
  • Transportation technician
  • Automotive trainee

Use:

✈️ Aviation & Airport Careers

Hawaii's geographic isolation makes aviation especially important to the state's economy.

Career pathways can include:

  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Ground equipment maintenance
  • Airport facilities
  • Electrical systems
  • Fleet maintenance
  • Transportation
  • Logistics

Search:

  • Aircraft mechanic
  • Aviation maintenance technician
  • Ground equipment technician
  • Facilities technician
  • Electrician
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician

An airline or aviation employer's paid-training program is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Verify the specific program.

⚓ Maritime & Port Careers

Hawaii depends heavily on maritime transportation and port infrastructure.

Career areas can include:

  • Marine mechanics
  • Welding
  • Electrical
  • Diesel technology
  • Heavy equipment
  • Industrial maintenance
  • Logistics
  • Port operations

Recommended searches:

  • Marine mechanic
  • Marine electrician
  • Welder apprentice
  • Diesel technician
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Heavy-equipment technician
  • Logistics technician

Search ports, maritime employers, ship-repair companies, transportation employers, and public agencies directly.

🍽️ Hospitality & Tourism

Hospitality is one of Hawaii's largest industries.

Do not think only about front-line guest-service jobs.

Hotels and resorts also employ technical workers in:

  • Facilities
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Building maintenance
  • Engineering operations
  • Culinary
  • Information technology

Search:

  • Culinary apprentice
  • Cook apprentice
  • Hospitality apprentice
  • Facilities technician
  • Building maintenance trainee
  • HVAC trainee
  • Engineering trainee

Ask whether the employer provides:

  • Paid employment
  • Structured training
  • Mentoring
  • Progressive wages
  • Industry credentials
  • Career advancement

Verify whether the program is a Registered Apprenticeship.

🏥 Healthcare

Hawaii's healthcare workforce needs create potential apprenticeship and paid-training pathways.

Recommended searches:

  • Medical assistant apprentice
  • Nursing apprentice
  • CNA apprentice
  • Pharmacy technician apprentice
  • Behavioral health technician
  • Community health worker
  • Healthcare apprentice

Ask:

  • Is the program a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Which employer provides the paid job?
  • Who provides Related Instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
  • What healthcare credential does the program lead toward?

💻 Information Technology

Technology apprenticeship and employer-paid training can provide pathways into:

  • IT support
  • Cybersecurity
  • Networking
  • Software
  • Data
  • Other digital careers

Recommended searches:

  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Help-desk technician
  • Network technician
  • Software developer apprentice
  • Data technician

Search:

  • Apprenticeship.gov
  • Apprenticeship.com
  • HireNet Hawaii
  • University of Hawaii
  • State and county government
  • Employer career sites

🏭 Manufacturing & Technical Production

Hawaii has a smaller manufacturing base than many mainland states, but career seekers should still investigate:

  • Food manufacturing
  • Fabrication
  • Industrial maintenance
  • Repair
  • Energy-related manufacturing
  • Other technical production

Search:

  • Manufacturing technician
  • Maintenance technician
  • Welder
  • Machinist
  • Industrial mechanic
  • Production technician trainee
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=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 2C ===

🏛️ Hawaii Government & Public-Sector Careers

State and county governments are major employers in Hawaii and can provide technical careers, trainee positions, apprenticeship, and other paid career-development opportunities.

Search:

  • Apprentice
  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Operator
  • Maintenance
  • Mechanic
  • Equipment operator
  • Public works
  • Transportation
  • Information technology
  • Utilities
  • Water/wastewater

A public-sector trainee position is not automatically a Registered Apprenticeship.

🏛️ State of Hawaii Careers

Search career areas such as:

  • Transportation
  • Information technology
  • Skilled maintenance
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare
  • Environmental services
  • Facilities
  • Equipment operation

Search both occupational titles and terms such as:

  • Trainee
  • Apprentice
  • Helper
  • Technician

🚧 Hawaii Department of Transportation

The Hawaii Department of Transportation operates highways, airports, and harbors.

That creates an unusually broad range of technical public-sector career possibilities.

Recommended searches:

  • Highway maintenance
  • Airport maintenance
  • Harbor maintenance
  • Equipment operator
  • Automotive mechanic
  • Engineering technician
  • Electrician
  • Facilities technician
  • Maintenance worker
  • Trainee

🏙️ County Government

Hawaii's county governments employ workers in:

  • Public works
  • Water
  • Wastewater
  • Fleet maintenance
  • Facilities
  • Parks
  • Information technology
  • Transportation
  • Skilled maintenance

Search:

Search both:

apprentice and trainee

Also try:

  • Helper
  • Operator
  • Mechanic
  • Technician
  • Maintenance

🟥 Veterans & Transitioning Service Members

Hawaii's large military presence makes military-to-civilian apprenticeship pathways especially important.

Veterans and transitioning service members can combine Hawaii workforce resources with:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • DoD SkillBridge
  • USMAP
  • GI Bill apprenticeship benefits
  • On-the-Job Training
  • American Job Center services
  • Industry-specific transition programs

🟥 Hawaii Veterans Employment Resources

Start with:

Veterans should ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Occupational training
  • Employer connections
  • Veteran employment services
  • Career counseling
  • Workforce funding

🟥 DoD SkillBridge

Eligible transitioning service members can participate in approved civilian training and employment experiences.

Hawaii career areas to investigate include:

  • Construction
  • Skilled trades
  • Ship repair
  • Maritime
  • Aviation
  • Information technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Transportation
  • Logistics
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities

🟥 USMAP Military Apprenticeship

  • 🟥 United Services Military Apprenticeship Program — USMAP — Explore USMAP

USMAP allows eligible service members to complete apprenticeship requirements while performing qualifying military occupational work.

USMAP and SkillBridge serve different purposes:

  • USMAP — apprenticeship while performing qualifying military work.
  • SkillBridge — approved civilian career experience during military transition.

🟥 GI Bill Benefits for Apprenticeship & OJT

Eligible veterans and other beneficiaries may be able to use GI Bill benefits while completing an approved apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training program.

Ask:

  • Is this apprenticeship approved for VA education benefits?
  • Is this OJT program approved?
  • Can military experience receive credit?
  • Can previous training provide advanced standing?
  • What benefits may be available while I earn apprenticeship wages?

🟥 Helmets to Hardhats

Veterans and transitioning service members interested in construction should investigate Helmets to Hardhats.

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=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 2D ===

🟥 Hawaii Military Communities

Hawaii's military installations and defense economy create additional career-transition opportunities.

Search civilian and SkillBridge opportunities connected with:

  • Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
  • Schofield Barracks
  • Marine Corps Base Hawaii
  • Fort Shafter
  • Tripler Army Medical Center
  • Other military and defense facilities

Career areas to investigate include:

  • Ship repair
  • Maritime
  • Aviation
  • Construction
  • Electrical
  • HVAC
  • Facilities maintenance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information technology
  • Logistics
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation

Military spouses should also ask workforce organizations about employment and training resources available to them.

🟥 People With Disabilities

Hawaii's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps eligible people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, and advance in employment.

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Occupational training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Career counseling
  • Postsecondary education
  • Employer connections
  • Assistive technology
  • Workplace accommodations
  • Job placement

🟥 Students & Youth With Disabilities

Students and families should ask about:

  • Pre-employment transition services
  • Career exploration
  • Work-Based Learning
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • Apprenticeship
  • Community-college education
  • Paid employment

Ask whether apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship can be incorporated into the student's employment plan.

🟥 Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Careers

Women interested in occupations where women have historically been underrepresented should investigate:

  • Construction
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Welding
  • Automotive
  • Diesel
  • Maritime
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Information technology

Resources:

When a Hawaii-specific women-in-trades or pre-apprenticeship program is available, verify its current recruiting and funding status directly.

🟥 Reentry & Justice-Impacted Career Seekers

A previous conviction does not automatically make every apprenticeship or skilled occupation unavailable.

Requirements vary by:

  • Employer
  • Occupation
  • Licensing requirements
  • Worksite
  • Apprenticeship sponsor

Start with:

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • WIOA
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Occupational training
  • Employer connections
  • Supportive services

If an occupation requires a professional or occupational license, check licensing requirements separately.

🟥 Opportunity Youth

Young adults who are not currently connected to school or employment should investigate:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • WIOA youth programs
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Community-college programs
  • Employer-paid training

Start with:

🟥 Career Changers & Dislocated Workers

Adults changing careers or workers affected by layoffs should investigate:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • WIOA-funded training
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Community-college technical education
  • Employer-paid training

Resources:

How Specialized Resources Fit Into Your Search

Specialized programs should supplement—not replace—the main apprenticeship search.

Use both:

Main search resources

  • Hawaii Workforce Development Division apprenticeship resources
  • Apprenticeship.com
  • Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
  • Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
  • HireNet Hawaii
  • Apprenticeship sponsors
  • Employer career sites

Specialized resources

  • Veterans services
  • SkillBridge
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Youth workforce programs
  • Reentry resources
  • WIOA
  • Other population-specific assistance

A specialized program may help with preparation, training costs, supportive services, or employer connections.

The paid apprenticeship job still comes from the employer or apprenticeship sponsor.

=== END HAWAII — PART 2D ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 3A ===

📍 Hawaii Island & Regional Resources

Hawaii's geography makes local searching unusually important.

An apprenticeship opportunity on one island may not be practical for someone living on another island because the paid job, On-the-Job Learning, and Related Instruction may occur in different locations.

For every program, determine:

  • Where the paid job is located
  • Where On-the-Job Learning occurs
  • Where Related Instruction occurs
  • Whether instruction is online or in person
  • Whether inter-island travel is required
  • Whether the sponsor recruits on your island

Each island section below includes:

  • Priority industries
  • Recommended occupations to search
  • Direct local resources

The occupation lists are search recommendations, not claims that a current apprenticeship opening exists.

📍 Oahu — Honolulu & Urban Honolulu

Oahu has Hawaii's largest concentration of employers, apprenticeship sponsors, unions, public agencies, military installations, colleges, and workforce resources.

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Skilled trades
  • Defense
  • Ship repair
  • Aviation
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Transportation
  • Information technology
  • Utilities
  • Public-sector employment

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • Pipefitter apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Sheet-metal apprentice
  • Operating engineer apprentice
  • Welder apprentice
  • Marine mechanic
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Aviation maintenance technician
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • IT apprentice
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator

Direct Local Resources

Search construction sponsors, utilities, healthcare systems, hotels, airlines, transportation employers, ship-repair employers, military contractors, and public agencies directly.

📍 Pearl Harbor & Military-Connected Oahu

Oahu's defense economy creates distinctive civilian and military-transition career opportunities.

Priority Industries

  • Ship repair
  • Maritime
  • Defense
  • Aviation
  • Construction
  • Facilities
  • Information technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Logistics
  • Transportation

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Shipfitter
  • Marine electrician
  • Welder
  • Pipefitter
  • Machinist
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Aviation maintenance technician
  • Facilities technician
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • IT technician
  • Logistics technician

Use:

  • 🟥 DoD SkillBridge
  • 🟥 USMAP
  • 🟥 Hawaii veterans employment resources
  • 🟦 Hawaii apprenticeship resources
  • ⬛ HireNet Hawaii

Search civilian defense contractors as well as public employers.

📍 West & Central Oahu

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Logistics
  • Transportation
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Utilities
  • Public-sector employment
  • Skilled trades

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Plumbing apprentice
  • Diesel technician
  • Automotive technician
  • Logistics technician
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Facilities technician
  • Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

=== END HAWAII — PART 3A ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 3B ===

📍 Hawaii Island — Hilo & East Hawaii

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities
  • Hospitality
  • Automotive
  • Transportation
  • Agriculture
  • Public-sector employment

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Facilities technician
  • Agricultural equipment technician

Direct Local Resources

Search hospitals, contractors, utilities, hotels, automotive employers, public agencies, and agriculture-related employers directly.

📍 Hawaii Island — Kona & West Hawaii

Priority Industries

  • Hospitality
  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Building operations
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Automotive
  • Public-sector employment

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • HVAC apprentice
  • Electrician apprentice
  • Plumbing apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Facilities technician
  • Building maintenance technician
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Culinary apprentice

Direct Local Resources

Hotels and resorts can provide technical career pathways in addition to hospitality occupations.

Search:

  • Facilities
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Building maintenance
  • Culinary
  • IT

📍 Maui

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Automotive
  • Building operations
  • Public-sector employment

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Facilities technician
  • Building maintenance technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Culinary apprentice

Direct Local Resources

Construction and infrastructure needs can create demand for skilled trades and technical workers.

Verify current apprenticeship recruiting directly with sponsors.

📍 Molokai & Lanai

Career seekers on Molokai and Lanai may face a smaller local employer base.

Search:

  • County government
  • Utilities
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Facilities maintenance
  • Construction
  • Transportation

Also ask:

  • Does a Maui County employer offer training on my island?
  • Is Related Instruction available remotely?
  • Would travel to Maui or Oahu be required?
  • Is travel assistance available?

Do not assume a program described as serving Maui County operates on every island in the county.

=== END HAWAII — PART 3B ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 3C ===

📍 Kauai

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Automotive
  • Building operations
  • Public-sector employment
  • Agriculture

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Facilities technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Agricultural equipment technician
  • Culinary apprentice

Direct Local Resources

Search contractors, resorts, healthcare providers, utilities, transportation employers, agricultural employers, and county government directly.

Island Search Strategy

Hawaii career seekers should use a slightly different search strategy from career seekers in most mainland states.

Step 1 — Search Your Island First

Look for:

  • Registered Apprenticeship sponsors
  • Employers
  • Unions
  • Community-college programs
  • County jobs
  • Utilities
  • Healthcare systems
  • Major hospitality employers

Step 2 — Determine Where Training Occurs

Ask:

  • Where is the paid job?
  • Where is Related Instruction?
  • How often must I attend class?
  • Is instruction online?
  • Is travel required?

Step 3 — Expand to Other Islands Only if Practical

An apprenticeship on another island may require:

  • Relocation
  • Air travel
  • Temporary lodging
  • A different work schedule

Understand those costs before applying.

Hawaii Regional Search Checklist

For the island where you want to work, check:

  • 🟦 Hawaii Workforce Development Division apprenticeship resources
  • ⬛ Apprenticeship.com
  • 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
  • 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
  • ⬛ HireNet Hawaii
  • ⬛ Hawaii American Job Centers
  • 🟪 University of Hawaii Community College
  • 🟨 CTE and Work-Based Learning
  • 🟧 Pre-apprenticeship
  • 👷 Union and apprenticeship sponsors
  • 🏛️ State and county government
  • 🚧 Hawaii Department of Transportation
  • 🚰 Water/wastewater systems
  • ⚡ Utilities
  • 🏥 Healthcare employers
  • 🍽️ Hospitality employers
  • ✈️ Aviation employers
  • ⚓ Maritime and ship-repair employers
  • 🚚 Transportation employers
  • 🏢 Employer career sites

How to Search an Occupation Locally

Take an occupation from the island lists and search several variations.

For example:

  • HVAC apprentice
  • HVAC trainee
  • HVAC technician
  • Refrigeration apprentice
  • Refrigeration technician
  • Facilities HVAC technician

Then add:

  • Your island
  • Your town or city
  • Hawaii

The same career pathway may appear under several different job titles.

Search the Sponsor, Not Only the Vacancy

Once you identify a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor:

  • Visit its website.
  • Determine which islands it serves.
  • Check application periods.
  • Review minimum qualifications.
  • Identify the Related Instruction provider.
  • Ask whether applications are accepted year-round.
  • Ask when the next apprentice class begins.

An apprenticeship can be worth tracking even when it is not hiring today.

=== END HAWAII — PART 3C ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 4A ===

🟩 Beyond Registered Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeship should be one of the first places you look for paid career training.

But it is not the only way to earn while learning.

If a Registered Apprenticeship is not available in the occupation or on the island where you want to work, investigate:

  • Employer / unregistered apprenticeship
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Co-op / Cooperative Education
  • Employer-paid technical training
  • Technician trainee programs
  • Operator trainee programs
  • Maintenance trainee programs
  • Employer academies
  • Career-development programs

These can be excellent career pathways.

They simply should not be assumed to provide the same structure or credential as Registered Apprenticeship.

🟩 Employer / Unregistered Apprenticeship

Some Hawaii employers may offer paid programs they describe as apprenticeships even when the program is not a Registered Apprenticeship.

An employer apprenticeship may provide:

  • Paid employment
  • Structured workplace training
  • Mentoring
  • Technical instruction
  • Wage increases
  • Industry credentials
  • College credit
  • Advancement into skilled employment

These features vary.

Before accepting an employer apprenticeship, ask:

  • Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • If so, who registers the program?
  • How is training structured?
  • Who provides mentoring?
  • What is the starting wage?
  • How does pay progress?
  • Is technical instruction included?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • What position does successful completion lead to?

Unregistered does not automatically mean low quality.

It means you should evaluate the program based on what it actually provides.

🟩 Hawaii On-the-Job Training

On-the-Job Training — OJT — can provide another route into paid employment.

Start with:

In a workforce OJT arrangement, an employer hires and trains a worker while the workforce system may help support eligible training costs.

The participant earns wages while learning the job.

OJT is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Ask:

  • Is there a Registered Apprenticeship in this occupation?
  • If not, is OJT available?
  • Which employers participate?
  • Am I eligible?
  • What job does the training lead to?
  • Could OJT lead into a Registered Apprenticeship?

🟩 Paid Work-Based Learning

Paid Work-Based Learning can provide career experience even when a full apprenticeship is not available.

Depending on the program, Work-Based Learning may involve:

  • Paid workplace experience
  • Employer-connected education
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Community-college programs
  • Youth workforce programs
  • Occupational training

Ask:

  • Is this paid?
  • Will I be an employee?
  • What occupational skills will I learn?
  • How long does the experience last?
  • Can I earn an industry credential?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Can it lead to permanent employment?
  • Can it lead to Registered Apprenticeship?

🟩 Co-op / Cooperative Education

Hawaii colleges, schools, and employers may offer cooperative education or other structured employment connected with education.

Ask:

  • Which employers participate?
  • Are the positions paid?
  • Which academic or technical programs participate?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Can co-op lead to permanent employment?
  • Does the employer also operate a Registered Apprenticeship?

Co-op is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

🟩 Employer-Paid Training & Trainee Programs

Do not search only for apprentice.

Hawaii employers may recruit using titles such as:

  • Maintenance trainee
  • Facilities technician trainee
  • Operator trainee
  • Automotive technician trainee
  • Diesel technician trainee
  • Utility trainee
  • Aviation technician trainee
  • Healthcare trainee
  • IT trainee
  • Culinary trainee
  • Development program
  • Academy

Search through:

🟩 Employer Training in Hawaii's Major Industries

Employer-paid training can be especially important in:

  • Hospitality
  • Aviation
  • Maritime and ship repair
  • Utilities
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation
  • Facilities and building operations
  • Information technology

A hotel, airline, utility, healthcare system, transportation employer, or public agency may use trainee or technician rather than apprentice.

Search all three terms.

How to Compare Paid Training Opportunities

For any opportunity, determine:

  • Is it paid?
  • Will I be an employee?
  • Is training structured?
  • Will I have an experienced mentor?
  • Does pay increase as my skills develop?
  • Is technical instruction included?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Will I earn an industry credential?
  • Is there a permanent-employment pathway?
  • Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Is all required training available on my island?

A strong employer-paid training program can be an excellent career pathway even when it is not Registered Apprenticeship.

The important thing is knowing what the program actually provides.

=== END HAWAII — PART 4A ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 4B ===

💰 Free & Funded Career Training

If you cannot find the apprenticeship you want immediately, do not assume your only alternative is paying substantial tuition for training.

Hawaii workforce and education programs may help eligible career seekers obtain occupational training or prepare for paid employment.

Training is not automatically apprenticeship.

The goal is to determine whether training can help you move toward:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Paid employment
  • A skilled occupation
  • An industry credential
  • Career advancement

💰 Hawaii American Job Center Training Assistance

Start with an American Job Center serving your island.

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • WIOA-funded training
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Occupational training
  • Supportive services
  • Employer-connected training

Eligibility and available funding vary.

💰 WIOA Training Assistance

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — WIOA — can help eligible career seekers obtain employment and training services.

Ask:

  • Am I eligible for WIOA assistance?
  • Can WIOA support this training?
  • Is there a Registered Apprenticeship in this occupation?
  • Can apprenticeship-related training costs be supported?
  • Is On-the-Job Training available?
  • Are supportive services available?
  • Is the training provider eligible for workforce funding?

Investigate assistance before assuming you must pay the full cost yourself.

💰 University of Hawaii Community College Training

Hawaii's community colleges provide career and technical education across the islands.

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Related Instruction
  • Employer-paid education
  • Financial aid
  • Workforce funding
  • Short-term credentials
  • Technical certificates
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Co-op
  • Employer partnerships

💰 Employer-Paid Education

Hawaii employers may pay some or all of the education connected with:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Technical training
  • Industry certification
  • College coursework
  • Tuition assistance
  • Career-development programs

Ask:

  • Do you pay for Related Instruction?
  • Is tuition reimbursed?
  • Are books included?
  • Are tools included?
  • Are certification or licensing fees covered?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Is there an employment commitment after employer-funded training?

🟧 Before Paying for Pre-Apprenticeship

Before paying tuition for pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship-readiness training, ask:

  • Is the program free?
  • Is grant funding available?
  • Is there a wage or stipend?
  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors recognize the program?
  • Which employers recruit participants?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Does completion provide preferred consideration or advanced standing?
  • What paid opportunity follows?
  • Is the training available on my island?

Be cautious about paying substantial tuition solely for the possibility of later applying to an apprenticeship.

🟩 Supportive Services

Eligible workforce-program participants may be able to receive assistance addressing barriers to employment or training.

Depending on the program and available funding, assistance may include:

  • Transportation
  • Child care
  • Tools
  • Work clothing
  • Testing fees
  • Training expenses
  • Other employment-related needs

Ask your local American Job Center what assistance is currently available.

💰 Inter-Island Training Costs

Hawaii career seekers should ask an additional set of questions when training occurs on another island.

Ask:

  • Is airfare covered?
  • Is lodging covered?
  • How frequently must I travel?
  • Can Related Instruction be completed online?
  • Does the employer provide travel assistance?
  • Is comparable training available locally?

Travel costs can materially affect whether an apprenticeship or training program is practical.

Understand these costs before accepting the opportunity.

💰 Compare Training Before You Pay

Before paying for career training, compare:

Registered Apprenticeship — paid employment plus structured training.

Employer-Paid Training — the employer pays you and provides or pays for training.

Workforce-Funded Training — a workforce program may pay qualifying training costs.

Community College Training — financial aid, grants, employer assistance, or workforce funding may reduce your cost.

Self-Paid Training — you pay the cost yourself.

Also compare any travel or relocation costs required to participate.

Self-paid training may be appropriate in some situations, but investigate the other options first.

=== END HAWAII — PART 4B ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 4C ===

Your Hawaii Apprenticeship Search Plan

You do not need to search every resource at once.

Use this sequence to build a focused apprenticeship search.

Step 1 — Choose the Career First

Start with two or three occupations you actually want to investigate.

Ask:

  • What kind of work interests me?
  • Which occupations are strong on my island?
  • Do I prefer construction, technical work, healthcare, hospitality, transportation, utilities, technology, or another type of work?
  • Am I willing to relocate to another island?
  • What education or credentials do I already have?

Then search apprenticeship pathways into those occupations.

Step 2 — Start With Hawaii's Official Apprenticeship Resources

Use Hawaii's official resources to investigate:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Sponsors
  • Occupations
  • Program requirements
  • Related Instruction

Step 3 — Identify Where the Program Operates

Before spending substantial time on an application, determine:

  • Which island has the paid job?
  • Which island has the training?
  • Is Related Instruction online or in person?
  • Does the sponsor recruit on my island?
  • Is inter-island travel required?

This is one of the most important Hawaii-specific search steps.

Step 4 — Search Apprenticeship.com

Search by:

  • Occupation
  • Industry
  • Hawaii
  • Island
  • City or region

Use Apprenticeship.com alongside official state and federal resources.

Step 5 — Search Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder

Look for current apprentice openings.

If nothing appears, continue searching established sponsors.

Step 6 — Find Sponsors

Research:

  • Sponsor website
  • Occupations
  • Application periods
  • Entry requirements
  • Island or geographic area
  • Recruiting schedule
  • Related Instruction provider

Step 7 — Search HireNet Hawaii

Do not search only apprentice.

Also try:

  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Maintenance trainee
  • Facilities technician
  • Operator trainee
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Utility trainee
  • Healthcare trainee
  • Paid training
  • Development program

Step 8 — Contact an American Job Center

Ask:

  • Which Registered Apprenticeships are recruiting?
  • Which sponsors operate on my island?
  • Is WIOA assistance available?
  • Is On-the-Job Training available?
  • Which employers are recruiting trainees?
  • Are supportive services available?
  • Can assistance help with transportation or training costs?

Step 9 — Contact Your Community College

Ask:

  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors work with this college?
  • Which employers are hiring apprentices?
  • Does the college provide Related Instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
  • Is pre-apprenticeship available?
  • Are paid Work-Based Learning opportunities available?
  • Is workforce funding available?

Step 10 — Search Employers Directly

Search employer career sites for:

  • Apprentice
  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Maintenance
  • Operator
  • Helper
  • Academy
  • Development program
  • Paid training

Important Hawaii industries include:

  • Construction
  • Utilities
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • Aviation
  • Maritime and ship repair
  • Transportation
  • Facilities and building operations
  • Information technology
  • Government

Step 11 — Search Public Employers

Include:

  • State of Hawaii
  • County governments
  • Hawaii Department of Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Water systems
  • Wastewater systems
  • Public works
  • Airports
  • Harbors
  • Public colleges

Search both:

apprentice and trainee

Also search:

  • Helper
  • Technician
  • Operator
  • Maintenance

Step 12 — If Nothing Is Open

Do not stop at the first unsuccessful search.

Identify the sponsor and find out when applications reopen.

Meanwhile, investigate:

  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • OJT
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Co-op
  • Employer-paid training
  • Community-college technical education

Then continue checking the apprenticeship programs you want.

Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Apprenticeship

Ask:

  • Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Who is the sponsor?
  • What occupation am I being trained for?
  • On which island will I work?
  • What is the starting wage?
  • How does wage progression work?
  • How is On-the-Job Learning structured?
  • Who will mentor me?
  • Who provides Related Instruction?
  • Where is Related Instruction provided?
  • Who pays for the instruction?
  • Is inter-island travel required?
  • Who pays travel costs?
  • How long does the program take?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Do I have to purchase tools?
  • Are there fees?
  • What employee benefits are included?
  • What credential will I receive?
  • What happens after completion?

A strong program should be able to explain the pathway clearly.

=== END HAWAII — PART 4C ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 4D ===

Related Apprenticeship Resource Guides

Use the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides for additional help understanding, finding, comparing, and preparing for apprenticeship and other earn-and-learn pathways.

  • 🟦 Complete Guide to Apprenticeships
  • 🟦 How to Find an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 How to Apply for an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 How to Prepare for an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 How to Compare Apprenticeship Programs
  • 🟦 How to Evaluate an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 Apprenticeship Pay & Progressive Wages
  • 🟪 College & Degree Apprenticeships
  • 🟪 College and Apprenticeship — How You Can Do Both
  • 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship Guide
  • 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship Guide
  • 🟩 Paid Work-Based Learning Guide
  • 🟩 On-the-Job Training Guide
  • 🟩 Co-op / Cooperative Education Guide
  • 🟩 Employer Apprenticeships & Paid Training Programs
  • 🟥 Military & Veteran Apprenticeship Guide
  • 🟥 Apprenticeships for People With Disabilities
  • 🟥 Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Careers
  • 🟥 Apprenticeship & Reentry
  • 🟥 Apprenticeships for Career Changers
  • ⬛ Parents' Guide to Apprenticeship
  • ⬛ School Counselor's Guide to Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary

For definitions of apprenticeship and workforce terminology, see the Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary on the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides page.

The glossary explains terms such as:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Employer / unregistered apprenticeship
  • Apprenticeship sponsor
  • Related Instruction / RTI
  • On-the-Job Learning
  • On-the-Job Training / OJT
  • Work-Based Learning / WBL
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Co-op
  • Progressive wages
  • WIOA
  • American Job Center

Hawaii Career Areas to Explore

Use Hawaii-specific resources together with the Apprenticeship.com career guides.

👷 Construction & Skilled Trades

Search:

  • Electrician
  • Carpenter
  • Plumber
  • Pipefitter
  • HVAC technician
  • Sheet-metal worker
  • Operating engineer
  • Ironworker
  • Welder

⚡ Energy & Utilities

Search:

  • Lineworker
  • Utility technician
  • Electrical technician
  • Substation technician
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Plant operator
  • Solar technician
  • Battery technician

🚰 Water & Wastewater

Search:

  • Water treatment operator trainee
  • Wastewater treatment operator trainee
  • Water distribution operator
  • Utility worker
  • Maintenance technician

✈️ Aviation

Search:

  • Aircraft mechanic
  • Aviation maintenance technician
  • Ground-equipment technician
  • Facilities technician
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician

⚓ Maritime & Ship Repair

Search:

  • Marine mechanic
  • Marine electrician
  • Welder
  • Pipefitter
  • Machinist
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Diesel technician

🚗 Automotive & Transportation

Search:

  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Fleet mechanic
  • Bus mechanic
  • Heavy-equipment technician
  • Transportation technician

🏥 Healthcare

Search:

  • Medical assistant
  • Nursing apprentice
  • CNA apprentice
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Behavioral health technician
  • Community health worker
  • Healthcare apprentice

🍽️ Hospitality

Search:

  • Culinary apprentice
  • Cook apprentice
  • Hospitality apprentice
  • Facilities technician
  • Building maintenance trainee
  • HVAC trainee

💻 Information Technology

Search:

  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Help-desk technician
  • Network technician
  • Software developer apprentice
  • Data technician

Employers Interested in Registered Apprenticeship

This guide is primarily for career seekers, but Hawaii employers can use Registered Apprenticeship to develop skilled workers.

Resources:

Employers can investigate assistance with:

  • Identifying apprenticeable occupations
  • Developing apprenticeship standards
  • Structuring On-the-Job Learning
  • Developing Related Instruction
  • Finding education partners
  • Registering a program
  • Recruiting apprentices
  • Expanding an existing program

Employers developing programs for Neighbor Island communities should also consider:

  • Where Related Instruction will occur
  • Whether online instruction is possible
  • Travel requirements
  • Recruiting across multiple islands

Funding and eligibility change, so verify current information before making financial decisions.

=== END HAWAII — PART 4D ===
=== BEGIN HAWAII — PART 4E ===

Start Your Hawaii Apprenticeship Search

You do not need to know the name of every apprenticeship program in Hawaii.

You need to know:

  • What career you want to investigate
  • Which island you want to work on
  • Where to search
  • Which sponsors operate programs
  • Which employers participate
  • Which colleges and training providers are involved
  • Where Related Instruction takes place
  • What questions to ask

Start with Hawaii's official Registered Apprenticeship resources.

Then use:

If the apprenticeship you want is not recruiting today, identify the sponsor and find out when it recruits next.

Hawaii's Most Important Search Question

In most states, distance is primarily a commuting question.

In Hawaii, it can be an island question.

Before applying, determine:

  • On which island is the paid job?
  • On which island is Related Instruction?
  • Is instruction online or in person?
  • How frequently must I attend?
  • Is inter-island travel required?
  • Who pays travel costs?
  • Would relocation be necessary?

A program can be excellent and still be impractical if the work and training locations do not fit your circumstances.

If Registered Apprenticeship Is Not Available

Investigate:

  • Employer / unregistered apprenticeship
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Co-op
  • Employer-paid technical training
  • Trainee programs
  • Community-college technical education

Do not confuse these pathways with Registered Apprenticeship.

Instead, compare what each opportunity actually provides.

The goal is not simply to find training.

The goal is to find a pathway toward:

  • A paycheck
  • Marketable skills
  • Real work experience
  • Credentials
  • Career advancement

Important Information & Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general educational, career-exploration, and informational purposes.

Apprenticeship programs, employers, sponsors, application periods, eligibility requirements, wages, benefits, training requirements, college-credit arrangements, licensing requirements, funding, travel requirements, and other program details can change.

Always confirm current information directly with the apprenticeship sponsor, employer, college, training provider, workforce agency, government agency, licensing authority, or other organization responsible for the program before applying, enrolling, paying fees, purchasing tools, changing employment, relocating, traveling between islands, or making financial or career decisions.

Registered Apprenticeship Status

The word apprenticeship does not necessarily mean that a program is a Registered Apprenticeship.

Unless a program is specifically identified as a Registered Apprenticeship through an authoritative state or federal source, verify its registration status with the appropriate apprenticeship authority.

An employer or unregistered apprenticeship may still provide valuable paid training, but its structure, mentoring, wage progression, instruction, credentials, and other features may differ from Registered Apprenticeship.

Program Availability

A program, sponsor, employer, college, union, or organization appearing in this guide does not mean that it is currently accepting applications or hiring apprentices.

Recruiting periods and available positions change.

Being listed does not guarantee:

  • Current availability
  • Eligibility
  • Admission
  • Selection
  • Employment
  • Funding
  • College credit
  • Licensing eligibility
  • Successful completion

Contact the responsible organization for current requirements.

Island Availability

A statewide program or organization does not necessarily offer apprenticeship positions or training on every Hawaiian island.

Always verify:

  • Job location
  • Training location
  • Island served
  • Application location
  • Travel requirements
  • Remote-learning availability

Do not assume that a program available on Oahu is also available on Hawaii Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, or Lanai.

Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship is not the same as Registered Apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeship may be:

  • Paid
  • Stipend-supported
  • Unpaid

Before enrolling, confirm:

  • Program cost
  • Wages or stipends
  • Credentials earned
  • Employer participation
  • Connections with Registered Apprenticeship
  • Whether completion provides advanced standing or preferred entry
  • What paid opportunity may follow
  • Which island the connected apprenticeship operates on

Be cautious about paying substantial tuition solely for the opportunity to later apply for an apprenticeship.

Funding & Supportive Services

Workforce funding, education assistance, employer tuition support, grants, and supportive services have separate eligibility requirements.

Ask:

  • What costs are covered?
  • What costs does the employer pay?
  • What costs does the apprentice pay?
  • Are tools covered?
  • Are books covered?
  • Are certification or licensing fees covered?
  • Is transportation assistance available?
  • Is inter-island travel assistance available?

Do not assume travel or lodging expenses are covered.

Occupational Licensing

Some Hawaii occupations require state licenses, certifications, examinations, or other credentials.

Registered Apprenticeship completion does not automatically guarantee every occupational license.

Verify licensing requirements separately with the appropriate licensing authority.

External Links

This guide includes links to government agencies, colleges, training organizations, employers, apprenticeship sponsors, workforce organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other third-party resources.

Links are provided for informational and research purposes.

Apprenticeship.com does not control third-party websites and is not responsible for their content, accuracy, availability, security, privacy practices, application processes, program changes, or services.

A link or listing does not necessarily constitute an endorsement, recommendation, partnership, sponsorship, or guarantee by Apprenticeship.com.

External websites may change or remove pages without notice.

If you find a broken or outdated link, please report it so the resource can be reviewed.

No Legal, Financial, or Professional Advice

Nothing in this guide constitutes legal, financial, tax, educational, licensing, employment, or other professional advice.

Laws, licensing requirements, employment requirements, apprenticeship standards, and individual circumstances vary.

For advice concerning your specific circumstances, consult the appropriate qualified professional, government agency, apprenticeship sponsor, employer, college, licensing authority, or workforce organization.

Verify Before You Decide

Before making an important career, education, employment, travel, relocation, or financial decision:

  • Verify the information with the organization responsible for the program.
  • Confirm that applications are currently being accepted.
  • Confirm the island where the paid employment occurs.
  • Confirm where Related Instruction occurs.
  • Confirm any travel or relocation requirements.
  • Confirm wages, benefits, costs, and training requirements.
  • Confirm whether the apprenticeship is registered.
  • Confirm occupational licensing requirements when applicable.
  • Confirm any college-credit or credential claims.
  • Confirm eligibility for workforce funding, grants, scholarships, or veterans benefits.

Programs, links, funding, locations, travel requirements, licensing requirements, and other information can change after the verification date.

=== END HAWAII — PART 4E / END OF HAWAII GUIDE ===