Excitement is in the air as a groundbreaking commercial driver license program kicks off this week on Oahu. What makes this program truly one-of-a-kind is that it’s designed for wahine, the Polynesian women of Hawaii.
This innovative initiative opens up new doors for Native Hawaiian women, providing them with lucrative career opportunities and valuable skills behind the wheel. It’s a program that is set to shatter stereotypes and empower women in this traditionally male-dominated field.
“We are extremely happy and excited to partner with the American Association of University Women Honolulu Branch, who provided us the funding to launch this all-wahine CDL-A training program,” Kaneheilua Lindsey, program manager for the Hawaiian Trades Academy with Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, said in an interview with Transport Topics.
She then went on to say that AAUW sponsored $40,000 to bring this program to fruition and provide women with access to trucking careers.
“We feel that it is extremely important to help more women in Hawaii gain access to the necessary certifications needed to receive better jobs in traditionally male-dominated industries,” Lindsey said. “Our goal is that through this program, we will provide a comfortable and welcoming space where women are equipped with the training and resources needed to eventually receive their CDL-A license, which opens the opportunity to begin or advance their careers in occupations with higher paying salary ranges.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that over 4,000 individuals are currently employed in Hawaii as drivers of heavy and tractor-trailer trucks. What’s particularly enticing about this career choice is the average yearly wage of $55,560, which surpasses other job salaries in Hawaii by a staggering 50%.
“Truck drivers are essential in maintaining the state of Hawaii’s supply chain, and a shortage of drivers could have a critical impact on this chain. This is an issue that has persisted for a while, and a large part of that shortage is due to the low presence of women within the industry,” Lindsey said. “We’re hoping to address that issue by positioning more and more women to receive their CDL-A license, where they may potentially pursue a career in trucking that can earn between $50,000 and more than $90,000 annually.”
Hawaiian Trades Academy expressed excitement over women’s enthusiastic response to the program. Women comprise nearly half of Hawaii’s 1.4 million residents, making their interest a significant indicator of success. Additionally, the latest U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders represent 10.5% of the state’s population.
“Since we’ve begun promoting this program to the public, many within the community have reached out and stated that the fact that this program is women-only has helped convince them to apply and pursue earning their CDL-A license. Additionally, this program has allowed for them to feel more comfortable to pursue such a career, as it provides them a space where they are surrounded by like-minded women who want to achieve the same goal,” Lindsey said.
Nearly 40 applications had been submitted as of mid-June, with more expected before the program began.
Students enrolled in the CDL course will receive theory instruction in Oahu. Additionally, they will have access to simulators and behind-the-wheel training at the academy’s offices in Kapolei and the truck training site in Kalaeloa.
Graduating women will receive job referral assistance, and licensed graduates will be connected with potential employers.
“We will provide opportunities for students to personally meet and initiate these conversations with those employers through mini job fairs, planned interviews, or meet-and-greets,” Lindsey noted.
Lindsey expressed gratitude to AAUW Honolulu for its partnership “as we pursue a common goal in uplifting women within our home” as well as to other supporters who have reached out when learning about the CDL program for native Hawaiian women.
“Your support proves to us that there is a want and need within the community, and we look to continue to provide them, as well as future similar opportunities,” he added.
Visit hawaiiancouncil.org/trades or email [email protected] to participate.
Source: Transport Topics
