Free training to get O‘ahu back to work

Oʻahu residents who are struggling to find employment because of the COVID-19 pandemic can enroll in free job preparation classes at the University of Hawaiʻi Outreach and Community Colleges. The Oʻahu Back to Work initiative is sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu using federal CARES Act funds.

“We want to build a more stable and equitable local economy utilizing the talents and determination of our community. This free training gives people on Oʻahu an opportunity to learn new job skills or find a better career path,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Mahalo to the University of Hawaiʻi for their partnership with the City to upgrade the skills of our workforce by making training available for in-demand jobs.”

“The University of Hawai‘i is excited to partner with the City and County of Honolulu again to provide O‘ahu residents with training to succeed in our changing economy. We will train at least 500 residents to prepare for jobs that are available now and will serve our community,” said UH President David Lassner. “Besides free classes, the program offers access to loaner laptops and mobile hotspots for online classes and, in some cases, paid internships. Participants on Unemployment Insurance may also be eligible for a waiver from job search requirements while in training.”

Oʻahu Back to Work is a rapid response employment training program that runs from August 16 to December 17, 2021. Instructors at seven UH Community Colleges and the Outreach College will offer more than 50 classes to Oʻahu participants. Classes will be primarily online in these career fields: Business and Technology, Healthcare, Human Services and Trades.

To qualify, a person must be:

• An adult living on Oʻahu whose employment was disrupted by COVID-19, such as lost hours, furloughs, or job loss
• Recent high school or college graduates who have been unable to secure full time employment due to the pandemic are also eligible

To learn more, view available courses, or to apply, please visit the O‘ahu Back to Work website: OahuBacktoWork.com.

The community can view a “how-to-apply video here: oahubacktowork.com/videos/How_to_apply.mp4