Individuals can explore free training classes beginning in January 2026 in fields such as education, technology, creative industries, skilled trades and healthcare that could help open doors to good jobs, paid internships and apprenticeship pathways.

More than 6,000 residents throughout the state have enrolled in free training classes since the Good Jobs Hawaii program launched in 2023. According to a preliminary analysis by the UH Economic Research Organization, participants saw increases in earnings and moved into higher-paying industries within six months of completing training. Those who completed training earned $1,800 more per quarter — about $7,200 more per year — compared to a $780 gain per quarter for those who didn’t complete the training.

“Good Jobs Hawaii has already made a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of residents,” said UH President Wendy Hensel in a release. “Participants are not only gaining new skills, but they are moving into higher-paying jobs, earning significantly more, and accessing greater career opportunities. These outcomes translate directly into improved quality of life for individuals, families and communities across our state.”

Trainings being offered starting in Jan. 2026 include:

• Education – substitute teacher, early childhood teacher, special education teacher
• Creative industries – foundational safety
• Technology – network technician, security analyst
• Skilled trades – electrician, commercial driver’s license
• Healthcare – certified nurse aide, optometry assistant
• City & County of Honolulu – early childhood education, landscaping

Visit the Good Jobs Hawaii website to view the training classes being offered and to register for online and in-person classes.

“In order to work and thrive in the landscaping and nursery industry, it’s important to have a good foundation of skills to keep you safe and productive in this hands-on work environment. Students will learn sought-after industry skills and gain hands-on experience in horticulture, propagation, plant identification, irrigation and more to make them more competitive candidates in an industry that is hiring,” said Thomas Bleazard, sustainable agriculture instructor at Windward Community College.

According to the release, the Creative Industries sector is a new trades learning pathway offering Foundation Safety Level 1 — a five-course series of trainings leading to certifications in Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED, OSHA 10, Aerial Lifts / MEWPs (ANSI A92), Fall Protection and Scaffolding Erector.

“This baseline, foundational safety training can be applied to every sector. Workers trained in this way have greater upward mobility and make more money. When workers are trained in safety awareness, it costs employers less in the long run. Safety is no accident,” said Tuia’ana Scanlan, president, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 665.

Vanessa Rogers, vice president of workforce development at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, says that employers consistently need more entry and mid-level technicians who are certified and ready to grow.

“Programs like the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ pathways give residents stackable credentials that not only help them secure their first IT job but also position them for advancement into cybersecurity and network administration roles,” said Rogers. “Whether you’re just starting out or already working in the IT field, we encourage anyone interested in IT to take advantage of these free trainings and continue to upskill. Hawaii needs you.”

Over $1 million is available to fund courses and other training costs for eligible applicants.

Program participants are supported by a Good Jobs Hawaii Navigator, who provides one-on-one support to ensure student success. The services they offer include college and career advising, referrals for support services, facilitating connections to employers and providing various forms of financial assistance.

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