Providing a solid boost to the state’s strained ranks of construction workers, 200 new Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (HCATF) graduates were recognized June 7 in a Kapolei ceremony.
Hawai‘i’s construction workforce is currently estimated at 40,000 or more, the largest in state history, with demand for workers surging as current local projects expand in number and size.
HCATF’s newly certified graduates are comprised of 159 carpenters, 39 drywall specialists and also include two millwrights, a first for the organization. Many Hawai‘i projects and communities will benefit from their skills, with 139 graduates serving on O‘ahu, 35 in Maui County, 21 on Hawai‘i island and five on Kaua‘i.
“Hawai‘i’s construction industry continues to be a cornerstone of our local economy and workforce development,” said HCATF Executive Director Edmund Aczon in a recent press release. “This year’s class is particularly significant with our first millwright graduates, who will play a vital role in supporting Hawai‘i’s clean energy industry. There continues to be a significant pipeline of construction work across the state, and we continue to work with the industry to ensure we have the workforce to support the needs of our local industry.”
Apprentices aiming for Hawai‘i journeyman certification typically train for four to five years, and must satisfy a required combination of 500 to 600 classroom hours and 8,000 jobsite hours.
Andrew Maberry is a June 2025 HCATF graduate and one of HCATF’s two newly certified millwrights. Maberry joined the apprenticeship program in 2019 and works for American Piping & Boiler Co.
“I joined the apprenticeship program for a more stable career, better pay and benefits,” stated Maberry in the release. “Initially, I started as a carpenter, but my employer needed a millwright, so I switched paths and have really enjoyed the work and challenge. It was hard work getting here, but I plan to continue on this path and learn more skills in the field as well as leadership skills.”
Also congratulating HCATF’s graduates and thanking them for their dedication to their craft, Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Jade T. Butay stated in the release that “the graduates of the Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund represent the future of Hawai‘i’s skilled workforce. Their commitment to excellence and perseverance not only strengthens our local economy but also builds the foundation for thriving communities across our state.”
HCATF is a partnership between the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, the General Contractors Labor Association, the Building Industry Labor Association, the Wall and Ceiling Industry Association of Hawaii, the state and federal government and the University of Hawai‘i.
In partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, HCATF provides trade worker pathways for high school students, the University of Hawai‘i’s community colleges and other workforce development organizations. To learn more about HCATF and its apprenticeship program, visit hicarpenterstraining.com.
