Maui College to Offer Free Career Training Certifications

Students at UH Maui College learn about photovoltaic installation. Courtesy photo.

By Sonia Isotov

Beginning this summer, the University of Hawaii Maui College will offer iCAN, a series of non-credit classes focusing on energy and agriculture, according to a spokesperson for the University of Hawaii.

iCan is being offered at all of the seven community college campuses as a part of C3T Hawaii, a program developed as a result of a $24.6 million federal career training grant received by the University of Hawaii Community Colleges from the US Department of Labor in 2011.

iCAN stands for “individualized career achievement network” and is a free and fast-track career and workforce certification program designed to prepare students for the university’s other workforce training program related to agriculture, energy, or health careers.

Students at UH Maui College learn to connect photovoltaic installations. Courtesy photo.

Students can also use iCAN for supplemental academic support if they are already enrolled in workforce development or training programs at the community college.

According to at he university, the program targets individuals between the ages of 18 and 64, and is focused on three emerging economic sectors that have been prioritized in Governor Abercrombie’s A New Day in Hawai’i plan: agriculture, energy, and healthcare.

These jobs could include: commercial farmers, veterinary technicians, plant bioscience technicians, hybrid and electric auto maintenance technicians, solar and photovoltaic installers, nurse aides, long term & home care assistants, and radiology technicians and more.

Students in iCAN/C3T Hawaii will receive a short-term certificate which can lead to an associate’s degree and job placement. For more information they can visit www.maui.hawaii.edu.