25 high school graduates earn certificates in six-week construction program

KAPOLEI, Hawaii (KHON2) — 25 recent high school graduates completed a six-week construction internship program hosted by the Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (HCATF) on Monday.

The students received certificates of completion that qualify them to work in the trades industry.

Makana Dayton, a 2024 Radford High School graduate, interned with the general contractor Swinerton and worked various projects in Honolulu.

“It wasn’t easy, but it opened a lot of doors and experience for me. I’m hoping to stay in the trade and join the union, as I have a passion for this work. This program really gives you a taste of working in the real world and learning about this trade.” Dayton said.

His completion of the program allows him to enter the apprenticeship program and continue working with Swinerton.

HCATF’s Career Connections Summer Internship Program, which began in 2017 with three Oahu high schools, now includes 32 partner schools.

The program involves a 40-hour prepatory training followed by a six-week internship and full-time work to earn a paycheck.

Students selected for the program underwent application process and completed prerequisite classes at their high schools.

For more information, visit their website.