Grant going to work-force training at colleges

New work-force development programs will be implemented at the University of Hawaii’s community colleges, thanks to a multimillion-dollar federal grant.

UH will receive $24.7 million from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative to fund new and existing programs primarily in energy, agriculture and health care.

"While American households are struggling to get by, we must continue to educate and provide people with a clear path to employment," U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, said in a news release. "

Peter Quigley, vice president of community colleges, said UH used Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s "New Day in Hawaii" plan as a guide concerning work-force demand.

Rail operator training, bioscience and community health are some of the new programs to be offered. Funding will go toward program development, equipment and hiring faculty. The new programs are expected to begin next spring, summer and fall.

"The clock in many ways has already started ticking. We have a lot to do," Quigley said. UH will partner with local businesses to develop new programs and continue existing programs.

Leeward Community College will focus on programs relating to biofuel as the state works to reduce its carbon footprint. Michael Moser, associate professor in work-force development, said programs for biofuel operators and electrical vehicle maintenance will be created as well as a new training program for rail operators.

The rail operator program is ideal for Leeward Community College, as a rail facilities maintenance plant will be built literally a few yards from the campus, Moser said. The federal grant, he added, will provide support to new and existing programs at seven community colleges that are "forward-thinking, cutting-edge programs to promote a futuristic work force."

New agricultural-related programs will be offered, including an Associate in Science degree in biological science and a certificate program in plant food production. The programs will help Hawaii become more agriculturally self-sufficient, said Richard Fulton, vice chancellor of academic affairs at Windward Community College.

Fulton wants to offer a plant technology program to focus on plant use beyond their traditional uses. Scientists at Windward Community College, for example, are looking into whether hanohano grass has medicinal qualities.

At Kapiolani Community College, a new Associate in Science degree program in health informatics — a blend of health care and computer science — a technician program to offer electronic management in the health care field, will be developed and offered to students online. The nationally accredited program is expected to be available to students next spring, said Patricia O’Hagan, dean of the health academic program. Partnering businesses that include Hawaii Pacific Health and Wilcox Memorial Hospital on Kauai will assist students with practical courses.