Just outside Wahiawā where Wilikina Drive forks into Kamehameha Highway, the din of hammers, power tools, and large earth-moving vehicles fills the air. Off in the distance, a tight-knit group of workers are building a state-of-the-art composting facility as a steady tradewind helps keep them cool from the intense summer heat.
Among the workers are two teenagers – Alexandre Tumacder, 17, who just finished his senior year at Waipahu High School – and Isaiah Peltier, also 17, who looks forward to his final year at ‘Aiea High School. Instead of enjoying their summer on the beach, a hiking trail, or killing time as teenagers often do playing video games or scrolling through social media, Tumacder and Peltier are learning the skills needed to become a carpenter apprentice through a Career Connections internship. The program pairs high school juniors and seniors, who have completed two years of DOE construction courses, with a union contractor for six weeks while earning $15 an hour.
“I never really liked sitting at a desk all day long,” Tumacder said, a hard hat on top of his head and black SPF material wrapped around his neck and ears to protect him from the sun. “I’m a physical person, so I always like moving around and I thought this would be a great thing for me.”
As for Peltier, his dad was a carpenter, so becoming an apprentice was a natural fit.
“I found that it was a good, stable job, so I knew it was something for me,” he said, comfortable in the knowledge he’s chosen the right path. “I’d like to pay back my mom in any expenses that she may need help in,” he said when asked about the future. “Then after when I’m a little settled and stable enough, I’d like to buy a house.”
Tumacder also has big plans.
“Later down the road I want to get into investing and putting my money into the business world. I really want to buy a home for myself, for my family, and my future kids.”
Gregg Arakawa, a superintendent with Albert C. Kobayashi Inc., the union contractor tasked with building the massive composting facility, said he’s impressed by the interns’ grit and sticktoitiveness, noting the first thing he told the two teens was “just come to work.”
“They worked out really well,” said Arakawa. “I’m glad that they came out. We always looking for hardworking carpenters out there, so I think that’s a great thing to spread it out to the high schools.”
As Hawai‘i’s construction industry continues to boom, employing more than 40,000 workers statewide, the Career Connections program offers a viable pathway for young men and women to remain in Hawai‘i with family and friends. The road to becoming a journey-level carpenter takes approximately four to five years and is completely debt free. Those who earn the coveted title of “journey-level carpenter” take home around $120,000 per year, which adds up to $167,000 when you consider benefits like a 401K, a pension plan, and health benefits with no monthly premiums.
“I feel like it’s an amazing opportunity and I’m blessed to have it,” said Tumacder, a tool belt hanging from his waist with the swagger of a seasoned pro.
“Right after high school I’m going into the trades, absolutely,” added Peltier, smiling through a row of braces, his neon-colored shirt showing the toil from a hard day’s work.
For teens like Tumacder, Peltier, and other interns, choosing the trades means a bright, debt-free future!
To learn about becoming a union carpenter and the Career Connections program, visit HiCarpentersTraining.com.
Andrew Pereira is director of public affairs for Pacific Resource Partnership.
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