What's Being Discussed

The Hawaii Workforce Development Council's Youth Services Committee is holding a meeting on June 26, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Topics include:

• Seafarers International Union apprenticeship program — A presentation covering the history, overview, and future demand for maritime careers and training opportunities.
• Youth Voice Discussion — The committee will brainstorm ways to bring young people into the conversation, including identifying organizations that prepare youth for the workforce, setting expectations for youth participants, and possibly changing the meeting time to better accommodate students who are still in school.
• Executive Director's Report — Updates on several statewide workforce initiatives, including:
  • Progress on the 2024–2028 State Workforce Plan
  • A Workforce Pell Grant working group preparing for expanded education funding
  • Modernizing the list of approved job training providers, in partnership with the University of Hawaii
  • Workforce services on Kaua'i, including extended certification of the local American Job Center
  • Upcoming events such as an AI Symposium Series, a Synergy Summit in July, and a Future of Work Conference in September
  • A research project on how Hawaii companies are preparing for artificial intelligence

Decisions Expected

• Approval of minutes from the previous meeting
• Possible discussion or agreement on changing the committee's meeting time to include in-school youth

Who Should Pay Attention

• Young people and students interested in workforce programs or career training
• Youth-serving organizations and schools across Hawaii
• Anyone interested in maritime careers or apprenticeship opportunities
• Job training providers seeking approval or updates on state processes
• Residents on Kaua'i who rely on local workforce services