Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund

We welcomed 5th grade students from Mauka Lani Elementary School for a hands‑on experience designed to spark curiosity about future career paths in the trades. By connecting classroom skills like communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving to real‑world applications, students were able to see how learning today can shape opportunities tomorrow. With HCATF, students explored the construction industry by using our virtual welding machine, operating a scissor lift, and hammering nails — gaining early exposure to the many possibilities a career in the skilled trades can offer.

HCATF participated in the Hawaii Mass Timber Forum where Training Coordinator Errol Kusunoki joined an expert panel to speak on the cost of training and preparing Hawai‘i’s workforce for mass timber construction. The event brought together industry leaders, educators, and partners for a full day of discussion, innovation, and knowledge‑sharing as shown in today’s impressive program lineup. Mahalo to the organizers and sponsors for hosting this important forum and for including HCATF in the conversation on advancing mass timber in Hawai‘i.

To learn more about HCATF’s training programs and our role in advancing Hawaiʻi’s construction workforce, visit us at hicarpenterstraining.com

Our Mass Timber partners visited our training facilities for a tour and had the opportunity to see our Mass Timber mock‑up build. It was a great day of collaboration and conversation about the future of building with sustainable materials. Through these partnerships, we are able to prepare the next generation of carpenters for emerging technologies and innovative construction methods like mass timber.

👉 Curious how Mass Timber is shaping Hawaiʻi’s construction future? Visit hicarpenterstraining.com/mass-timber/

Aloha from the Carpenters International Training Center!

HCATF and HRCC are represented alongside our 3rd-year apprentices at the Western District Conference. Proud to stand with the next generation of carpenters who continue to raise the standard. Together, we are investing in leadership, strengthening our skills, and building the future of our trade.

Mahalo nui to our Hilo apprentices, journeyworkers, and trade instructors who generously volunteered their time at Hawaii Construction Career Day in Hilo, leading hands‑on activities at the HCATF tent. The stations sparked excitement and friendly competition, giving students real exposure to tools used in the field. Many students shared how fun and empowering it felt to work with actual equipment and learn directly from industry professionals.

Hilo apprentices from the rough framing class built new sawhorses in preparation for tomorrow's Hawaii Construction Career Day. Under the supervision of Instructor Darryl Mizuguchi, the apprentices worked together with skill and aloha to get everything ready.

HCATF proudly celebrated 11 new graduates from the Beyond Bars Initiative at Waiawa Correctional Facility marking 41 graduates from WCF and 54 statewide since the program launched in 2023. This six-week pre-apprenticeship carpentry program provides incarcerated individuals with safety training, math, blueprint reading, framing, and hands-on carpentry skills, preparing them for entry into the registered apprenticeship upon release.

Mahalo nui to Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - DCR, Honolulu Community College, and all partners for supporting this program that builds confidence, skills, and real career pathways. Congratulations to the newest graduates - we look forward to welcoming them into apprenticeship program and watching them succeed in the construction industry.

February is Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to raise awareness about CTE's role in the education and workforce pipeline, preparing learners for careers that require high-quality skills training for in-demand careers. The HCATF Career Connections Summer Internship Program is an example of CTE in action! This paid summer internship program lets students turn what they learn in school into hands-on jobsite experience and explore a future in construction alongside mentors.

👉 Know a student who might be interested? Summer Internship application opens today, 2/9! Learn more: www.hicarpenterstraining.com/internships/

👉 Become a host contract and make a lasting impact.
Learn more: www.hicarpenterstraining.com/host-an-intern

ELEVEN INMATES AT WCF GRADUATE FROM CARPENTRY
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

WAIAWA, HI — The Waiawa Correctional Facility (WCF) hosted a graduation ceremony Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, for 11 men who completed the Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

The completion of the six-week pre-apprenticeship program provides participants with direct entry into the Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund (HCATF) Apprenticeship Program when the men re-enter the community upon release.

The program is available to inmates at the Waiawa Correctional Facility and Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC), thanks to a partnership between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), Honolulu Community College and HCATF. A total of nine men attended the graduation ceremony today.

DCR Director Tommy Johnson extended his sincere gratitude to facility staff and community partners for their shared commitment and providing the men with in-demand skills that will prepare them for successful reintegration into the community.

Johnson also commended the graduates on their achievements. “All of the graduates took the initiative to participate in this program, a program that will open many doors for them. We are very proud of the men’s accomplishments,” Johnson said.

Participants in the carpentry pre-apprenticeship program acquire essential carpentry skills such as blueprint reading, framing and drywall installation. Students are also trained in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, first aid and CPR.

Honolulu Community College Chancellor Karen Lee lauded the men’s “hard work and determination as they build their skills to eventually enter Hawaiʻi’s workforce."

During the ceremony, HCATF Executive Director Edmund Aczon praised the inmates. “We’re extremely proud of this year’s cohort of graduates and look forward to having them join the apprenticeship program when they’re able to work and contribute to the growth and success of the construction industry. This program has been incredibly successful in giving them a sense of purpose while providing a viable career pathway,” Aczon said.

WCF Educational Supervisor Kerry Iwash*ta said inmates consistently request to participate in the program. “We hope to have additional ones like it in the future,” Iwash*ta said.

To date, a total of 54 graduates — 41 from the Waiawa Correctional Facility and 13 from the Women’s Community Correctional Center, have completed the carpentry pre-apprenticeship program since its inception in 2023.

HCATF's apprentices played a key role in rebuilding the concession stand for Central East Maui Little League. The concession stand was ready to open on the day of the league’s Opening Ceremony, supporting a successful start to the season. Through this hands-on community project, apprentices not only strengthened their trade skills but also gave back in a meaningful way. This reflects the heart behind the work, where apprentices grow their skills while giving back to their communities.

The American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP) Hawaii Chapter delivered their Talk Saves Lives presentation to our instructors, tailored specifically to the construction industry. The session focused on su***de awareness and prevention, including an interactive activity where instructors identified warning signs and learned how to respond using practical, life‑saving resources. We are grateful to the AFSP speakers for sharing their time, knowledge, and compassion. Instructors received a Certificate of Completion for Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Su***de Prevention in the Construction Industry, reinforcing our commitment to supporting mental health and looking out for one another.

👉 For mental health support, tools, and additional resources, visit our Mental Health section at www.hicarpenterstraining.com/resources

***dePrevention