The UH Maui College-Hawaiian Electric interns included (front) Tyzon Buduan-Tagud, (from left, first row) Jordan Shim, Dylan Delgado, Troy Borge Jr., Oliver Manegdeg, (second row) Kolby Dudoit, Kahakoilani Lopez, Noa Diaz Dela Cruz, (back row) Kapono Neizman and Johan Mukaihata. Photo courtesy UH Maui College

Those of you who know me or read this column regularly, know we at UH Maui College believe that partnering with industry to ensure the future of Maui Nui’s workforce is a critical part of our mission. In a perfect example of that commitment, we recently celebrated the ten graduates of the first-ever “Maui Power Pathways Initiative,” a first-of-its-kind partnership with Hawaiian Electric.

The demanding eight-week free training was the culmination of many months of preparation over two years. Interim Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Laura Lees Nagle was our point person. “In 2023, Hawaiian Electric reached out about meeting their workforce needs,” she explains. “The first step was to collaborate on the EEI (Edison Electric Institute) exam prep course which is required for potential employees.”

In 2024, the utility told us it needed more Power Plant operators here on Maui. Based on other pre-apprenticeship and workforce courses we’ve offered at UHMC, we provided the structure for creating this work-based learning course and also handled the application process. By the way, we received more than 100 applications for just 10 spots.

“Hawaiian Electric drafted the concept unique to this class that combined test prep, work readiness, and on-the-job-training. And Hawaiian Electric employees did the heavy lifting in terms of personnel who could instruct students in the field,” says Nagle.

And the final piece of the puzzle was provided by our Associate Professor of Physics Buddhi Rai, who facilitated the required Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) course. “Practice tests covered mathematics, mechanics, physics-based reading comprehension, and figural reasoning. Core physics principles, such as the conservation of energy and momentum, were also included,” explains Rai. “I found this to be a meaningful application of the teaching skills I have built over my career, now used to directly benefit students in my community. I was impressed by their focus and commitment.”

Jerry Maniago is Hawaiian Electric’s Station Manager at Mā’alaea and was the program facilitator. “Over the course of the two months we witnessed something special taking place,” he says. “It was incredibly rewarding to watch the cohort engage, learn, and grow. One of the most striking takeaways was how many participants had never considered working at the power plant as a viable career path. By the end of the program, many expressed a newfound appreciation for the important work we do and could genuinely see themselves contributing to this field, knowing their efforts would have a direct impact on the well-being of their community and they and their families would thrive long-term.”

One student — Jordan Shim — is already working at the Mā’alaea power plant. Some have submitted job applications. The rest plan to do so.

“Coming from someone who knew nothing about what goes on at the plant, it was an awesome experience,” says Troy Borge. “I am completely invested in working there. I have applied for one position already and am keeping daily tabs on their careers website for any new job postings.”

Dylan Delgado is also hoping for a position at Hawaiian Electric. “As for the training, admittedly it was rigorous at times, but as long as we were willing to work and listen to the best of our abilities, we all thrived. The employees at the power plant were extremely patient, supportive, and knowledgeable.”

As a result of the process to create this program, we have yet another education model to use with other employers if there is interest. For now, I’ll give Jerry Maniago the last word on our extremely successful experiment. Here’s part of what he said at the graduation. “As the first class of this internship program, you’ve set the bar, you’ve made this program a success. You helped us build something meaningful.” And it’s something we plan to repeat next summer and, hopefully, beyond.

For complete information about UH Maui College, please visit http://maui.hawaii.edu/

Dr. Lui K. Hokoana is Chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Ka’ana Mana’o, which means “sharing thoughts,” is scheduled to appear on the fourth Thursday of each month. It is prepared with assistance from UH-Maui College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County with information about opportunities available through the college at its Kahului campus and its education centers