Overview of Hawaii CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) administers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 13 career pathways to prepare students for postsecondary education, certifications, or high-demand careers. These programs integrate academic standards with technical and employability skills, emphasizing work-based learning (WBL) as a key component for pathway completion. The Industrial and Engineering Technology career pathway (encompassing Architecture & Construction) focuses on designing, building, and maintaining structures and systems, with concentrations in areas like building construction, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and engineering technology. To earn a CTE endorsement (e.g., Honors designation with GPA 3.0+), students must:
- Complete a two-course sequence in an approved CTE program of study (minimum 2 credits).
- Participate in a Performance-Based Assessment (PBA), which includes technical writing, oral presentation, and hands-on performance.
- Engage in WBL, such as internships, job shadowing, or apprenticeships, often as a capstone.
WBL is sustained, industry-aligned experiences (e.g., 100+ hours) coordinated by schools with employers, funded via Perkins V grants and partnerships like the Construction Academy. It’s available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), prioritizing paid opportunities in high-demand trades. Hawaii’s construction sector projects 8% growth through 2030, with entry wages around $45,000+ amid labor shortages.
Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Industrial and Engineering Technology (Construction Focus)
HIDOE’s primary internship mechanism is WBL, integrated into CTE pathways via the Hawaiʻi Work-Based Learning Continuum (from awareness to immersion). For Construction, placements apply skills in site safety, blueprint reading, and trades at firms or sites, often through the statewide Construction Academy (established by Act 234 in 2006). This UH Community Colleges-HIDOE partnership embeds hands-on training in high schools on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, leading to pre-apprenticeship credentials.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work-Based Learning Internship in Construction Trades (e.g., via Construction Academy Capstone) | 0.5-1 (semester/full-year) | Application/Capstone (Juniors/Seniors) | Paid/unpaid supervised placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 100 hours) at construction sites or firms, applying skills in carpentry, HVAC, or building maintenance. Includes mentor guidance, reflective assessments, and PBA integration; leads to NCCER Level 1 or OSHA 10 credentials. Partners with Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship for seamless transition. | Age 16+; 1+ pathway credits; teacher recommendation; related program enrollment (preferred). Parent consent; aligns with WBL Success Criteria for equity. Paid options via HIDOE summer program ($15+/hour). |
| Paid Summer Internship with HIDOE (Construction Pathway) | Variable (6-8 weeks) | Exploratory/Application (Juniors/Seniors) | Hands-on summer roles (20-40 hours/week) in construction management, site prep, or trades with HIDOE offices or partners; builds employability skills and explores careers. Applications open March (e.g., for 2026). | High school enrollment; interest in construction; GPA 2.5+ preferred. Coordinated by Workforce Development Branch; transportation may be provided. Paid at minimum wage+. |
| Career Connections Paid Summer Internship (Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship) | Variable (Summer) | Advanced (Seniors) | Paid internship (e.g., 200+ hours) with union contractors, focusing on carpentry trades; upon 80%+ completion of related coursework, grants immediate apprenticeship access. Offered at schools like Mililani High. | Pathway enrollment (e.g., Building & Construction POS); 80%+ proficiency in core skills; application via school CTE coordinator. Targets Native Hawaiian/underrepresented students via NHCTEP grants. |
These integrate into the pathway sequence:
- Introductory: Industrial Arts/Intro to Construction (0.5 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Building Construction I (1 cr.), Carpentry Fundamentals (1 cr.), HVAC Principles (1 cr.), Electrical Systems (1 cr.).
- Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Construction Trades with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER or ABC Hawaii certifications.
School and Program Examples
HIDOE approves CTE pathways in ~40 high schools, with Industrial and Engineering Technology (Construction) available in ~25 sites via the Construction Academy. Partnerships with UH Community Colleges, ABC Hawaii, and Hawaii Carpenters Union enhance WBL. Examples:
- Mililani High School: Building & Construction POS with Career Connections internships; students earn certificates for apprenticeship entry; 85%+ completers pursue trades postsecondary.
- Hawaii Community College-Partnered High Schools (e.g., Hilo High): Construction Academy embeds UHCC courses; WBL placements in sustainable building; focuses on math/tech integration.
- Kauaʻi High Schools (e.g., Waimea High): Pathway with summer HIDOE internships in infrastructure; partners with local builders for hands-on trades.
- Oʻahu Sites (e.g., Farrington High via Honolulu CC): AEC focus with paid co-ops; Summer CTE Academy exploratory leading to full internships.
- Native Hawaiian-Focused (e.g., James B. Castle High via NHCTEP): Grants fund WBL in construction/HVAC for underrepresented students; includes mentorship.
For a full list, see the HIDOE CTE Programs of Study.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- Construction Academy: Statewide initiative for hands-on labs and WBL; prepares for immediate employment or UHCC dual enrollment.
- NHCTEP Grants: $3.6M annually for Native Hawaiian students in construction pathways, including internships and credentials.
- WBL Continuum & Intermediaries: Guides progression; connects students to employers via P-20 Partnerships.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; integrated into PBAs and funded via Perkins V.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL apps via school (fall/spring); summer HIDOE via Workforce Development Branch (opens March). Working papers required for minors.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators achieve 95%+ graduation rates; construction pathways yield 80%+ workforce/postsecondary placement, addressing shortages.
For details, visit HIDOE CTE Page or email cte@hid oe.k12.hi.us. Hawaii’s construction boom (e.g., housing/infrastructure) drives demand for 5,000+ skilled workers annually.