Schatz Helps Create Pathway for More Technology Jobs in Hawai‘i
New Program by Statewide Employer Coalition Aims to Hire 175 job-seekers in the Next Year; 400 in the Next Two Years
WASHINGTON – Today, the White House announced that Hawai‘i has been selected to participate in the TechHire Initiative, a competitive multi-sector program that provides students and workers with skills needed to grow our nation’s high-tech workforce. The High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), a state agency tasked to develop Hawai‘i’s technology industry and provide resources to help train and retain a high-tech local workforce, will lead a statewide employer coalition aimed at hiring 175 job-seekers in the next year and 400 by the end of 2018. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate’s subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, encouraged HTDC to participate in the Administration’s TechHire Initiative as a way to grow technology skills in communities throughout Hawai‘i.
“Our state’s unique business and cultural environment has made it an ideal setting for innovative tech companies to grow and succeed. That’s why making sure Hawai‘i has a competitive high-tech workforce is important for our local economy,” said Senator Schatz. “This program will highlight Hawai‘i’s emerging tech sector, encourage innovation, and help more people develop the skills they need to fill good-paying tech jobs and advance their careers.”
“HTDC is delighted to have Hawai‘i recognized as a TechHire Hub. I’m especially grateful to Senator Schatz for his strong support of our efforts,” said Robbie Melton, executive director and CEO of HTDC. “The designation signifies Hawai‘i’s commitment to developing a technology workforce through accelerated methods to meet the growing demand. This is one step in moving Hawai‘i towards the goal of creating 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs earning $80,000 or more by 2030.”
The statewide program will include accelerated training for those who are long-term unemployed, and workers who are retraining to prepare for new tech jobs. Training will be available on all the islands of Hawai‘i, including rural areas.
