UH-Maui gets $100K grant to train skilled trades workers | News, Sports, Jobs

UH-Maui has received a $100,000 grant, including $70,000 in cash and $30,000 in equipment, from Johnson Controls. os uh maui aerial

The Maui News

The University of Hawaii Maui College will invest $70,000 in cash and $30,000 in equipment from Johnson Controls to help train and support future workforce leaders across the fire, security, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries.

“The generous grant from JCI gives Maui residents the opportunity to make a good living and support their families either here in Hawai’i or wherever they may go,” UH-MC Chancellor Lui Hokoana said in a news release. “Folks with this training are highly sought after everywhere. We’re thrilled to have been selected for this four-year program.”

UH-MC seeks to prioritize investments in workforce training and recruitment to bridge the skilled trades gap, noting that an estimated 10,000 trade professionals are projected to leave the workforce each year over the next decade due to heightened retirements or career changes, according to the news release.

Since 2021, the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program has annually distributed $1 million across 10 community colleges in North America with a focus on vocational programs to inspire the next generation of workers.

Each college has the option to receive the grants in full monetary value or to receive partial monetary funds along with technical equipment donated by Johnson Controls.

“UH Maui College plans to use the funding to provide student internship stipends, support subject matter expertise from our industry professionals to ensure relevant training, and extra funding to support students with tutors and basic needs,” said Laura Lees Nagle, dean of Career and Technical Education and accreditation liaison officer.

Johnson Controls employees in the surrounding areas also will work with UH-MC to mentor and encourage students to join the skilled trades workforce.

“Not only are we investing in the next generation of workforce leaders, but the mentoring associated with this initiative reminds our employees why we do what we do,” said Julie Brandt, president of Building Solutions North America at Johnson Controls. “We’re looking at our future and through partnership with these colleges we’re all contributing to a better supported trades industry.”

UH-Maui has received a $100,000 grant, including $70,000 in cash and $30,000 in equipment, from Johnson Controls. os uh maui aerial A buoy deployed by researchers floats in the waters off Maui. It will work alongside uncrewed saildrones that are traveling around the islands to gauge the health of the ocean. Photo courtesy UH

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