Hawaii Construction Academy

The state of Hawaii is in the early stages of a construction boom. There is a predicted need for over 12,000 workers over the next decade. Local construction firms, contractors, and builders would like to hire graduates of Hawaii schools. To help meet this need for new workers, CORD is working with Honolulu Community College (HCC) to develop curriculum to be used in high schools in a career academy setting. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration's High-Growth Job Training Initiative.  

The curriculum developed by CORD is comprised of a broad-based Building and Construction survey course that is not specific to any one trade or craft area and is taught during the junior year of high school. During their senior year, students can choose between Carpentry, Blueprint Reading and Drafting, Safety, or Electrical courses. All courses are designed to receive dual credit at HCC. Students will be able to articulate to a number of construction programs at the college. 

For each course developed, CORD produced a Curriculum Planning Guide with lesson plans, resources, and assessment instruments.  In addition to the curriculum materials, CORD has provided professional development support for teachers in conjunction with HCC faculty, and has developed a website of resource materials.

The project began in 2004 with 8 pilot schools.  The program will expand to 31 addititonal high schools in Fall 2006.