Public and Private Partnerships Jumpstart Hawai’i Workforce Programs

Supported by government, community and private partners, the Building Industry Association of Hawai'i (BIA Hawai'i) will soon lead its 10th workforce development training cohort to prepare individuals for careers in the local residential construction industry.

Workforce Training Across the Islands

The BIA Hawai'i Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) program is a tuition-free, six-week initiative that provides hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and masonry. PACT launched on O’ahu in fall 2024 and recently expanded to Maui, where its inaugural cohort graduated in April. But demand is growing, with BIA Hawai’i receiving requests to expand the program to even more islands statewide.

“It’s not just because we need people in the industry. We know we’re changing lives,” said Roseann Freitas, CEO of BIA Hawai’i. “We are part of our community and need to help.”

BIA Hawai’i utilizes the Home Builders Institute's Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training curriculum for its programming. Freitas said each cohort has about 15 students and that the program is roughly 30% classroom instruction and 70% hands-on experience.

Participants earn OSHA-30 and first aid/CPR certifications, as well as a federally recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor. They are also connected with local employers to jump-start careers in the field.

“Not only does it serve our industry by bringing people in, but it serves the community for people who need jobs,” Freitas said. “Residential construction pays better than many other industries, so the PACT program is a way for us to stop losing our young people because they can’t afford to stay in Hawai’i.”

Public and Private Funding Fuels Programs

The program is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, regional programs like WorkHawai’i and a mix of grants and private donations, including support from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

With a focus on long-term sustainability and expanding opportunities statewide, BIA Hawai’i recently partnered with McAllister & Quinn, a Washington, D.C.-based grant consulting firm, through its national partnership with NAHB. The organization helps BIA Hawai’i identify and apply to new workforce development funding opportunities, especially grants and political earmarks.

“There’s no way as an association to do it all yourself,” Freitas said. “McAllister & Quinn's guidance and partnership are already opening doors and creating additional opportunities that strengthen BIA Hawaii’s capacity and impact.

“These partnerships make our program more successful," she added. "The key is you're not in it alone.”

Freitas said they now have a braided approach to program funding, which makes items like statewide expansion possible. BIA Hawai’i members and local partnerships, like with HomeAid Hawai’i, have also been key to strengthening the local residential construction industry.

“It's relationships in the community that help. It does make a difference,” Freitas said. “We’re not just builders or associates. We’re part of a larger community. Everybody needs houses.”

Watch HomeAid Hawai’i’s recap of the April 2026 Maui PACT graduation.