The project aims to address the critical technician workforce shortage required to replace 88,000 cesspools with individual wastewater systems or decentralized cluster systems by 2050, as mandated…

The project aims to address the critical technician workforce shortage required to replace 88,000 cesspools with individual wastewater systems or decentralized cluster systems by 2050, as mandated by the hawai'i state legislature act 125. Three goals will accomplish this: 1) strengthen the wastewater career pathways system by engaging industry, employers, advocacy groups, trade associations, higher education, adult education, workforce development boards, and government in order to align and create a workforce skill development program that meets the needs of employers in emerging skilled trades; 2) increase awareness among target community members of urgent environmental and human health issues, relevant government mandates, and in high-demand wastewater related jobs in order to recruit for training programs; and 3) increase participation of underrepresented populations in emerging skilled trade and technology career pathways by providing training that leads to employment or continued education by providing financial and counseling supports. Activities performed formalize the advisory council (AC) to identify competencies, skills, and knowledge required and desired by employers. - utilize AC to work on standards and guidelines for wastewater workforce development. - create marketing materials designed to increase awareness and recruit for training program. - network with project partners to create an outreach and recruitment plan. - use a variety of outreach modes to reach geographically isolated communities in hawai'i and maui counties in order to increase awareness and recruit participants. - implement a 6-week course, including a SELF-DIRECTED field study component, at multiple locations across two counties. - in partnership with hawai'i community college and maui college, provide college and career counseling and job placement services. Deliverables a well-established AC leads to project sustainability and ensures industry recognized training program. - a solid career pathway with multiple entry and exit points exists and facilitates efficient training that addresses workforce shortage the AC continues to meet quarterly beyond the life of the grant. - 90% of all community members (1,000) who attend project-sponsored events will report an increased awareness among target community members about urgent environmental and human health issues, relevant government mandates, wastewater-related job opportunities, all in an effort to recruit for training programs. - at least 50 incumbent workers will be reached annually through partner-sponsored events. - at least 20 industry partners will participate in project events, annually. - at least 500 people will be reached annually via summits, town halls, career fairs, and high school presentations. - 100 participants will be recruited. - 70 participants complete the program. - 70 program completers receive a stipend. - 70 program completers receive career pathway guidance or assistance with job/internship placement. - 100% of program completers increase their competencies, skills, and knowledge. - 75% of completers are employed by 2ND quarter post-completion. - 80% of employers of program completers report satisfaction with completers. - 25% of completers enroll in certificate or degree programs. Intended beneficiary the project aims to recruit high school students, with an emphasis on native hawaiian and pacific islanders; dislocated workers; and incumbent and new entrant workers in need of the skills required to address the pressing cesspool conversion mandate. Due to the rural and remote nature of hawai'i and maui counties, beneficiaries represent those most hard HIT by covid-19 in terms of unemployment and food insecurity, and are more likely to be underserved in the past. Many of the intended beneficiaries reside in communities that are designated opportunity zones. Subrecipient activities project partner, wastewater alternatives & innovations, will bring together industry leaders and project partners to provide input into industry-valued training needs, credentialing, and competencies; lead the effort to increase awareness among communities faced with the most pressing environmental challenges due to cesspools; take the lead on outreach and recruitment campaigns; and oversee implementation of the introductory wastewater training program, including the experiential (SELF-DIRECTED) service learning field study component.