Pacxa’s Huakaʻi Program helps motivated individuals embark on their journey to successful IT careers. Our goal is to develop a resilient workforce that delivers innovation and excellence to help local businesses leverage technology to succeed. The program provides “fellows” with paid work experience, on-the-job training, mentoring, access to industry certifications, and career services.
Past fellows include new graduates, career changers, and others interested in entering the technology field. Watch the video below to learn what inspired our President, Kelly J. Ueoka to launch the program and hear from some of our successful participants.
How can I apply?
Thank you for your interest in the Huakaʻi Program. Applications for the summer 2022 cohort are now closed. Please check back here and follow us on LinkedIn for updates on future cohorts.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the program.
What is the schedule? Is part–time an option?
Huakaʻi fellowships are full-time, 40 hours per week. Fellows work a regular work week, generally from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though flexibility is required based on customer needs. There is no part-time option.
What are the compensation and benefits?
Wages are competitive for entry-level IT positions. After the first month, fellows are eligible for medical benefits (100% of the premium is paid by Pacxa). Additionally, fellows may access our training platform and use work time to study for industry certifications. Pacxa will pay for the cost of the exams that are passed. As temporary employees, fellows are not eligible for paid time-off but may take occasional leave without pay with advanced notice.
What kind of work experience and training does the program provide?
There are several entry-level occupational tracks.
What certifications are available to earn?
Below are examples of certifications fellows may pursue, organized by interest. Fellows may consult managers and mentors to decide which certifications are the best fits.
Will I get a job in IT after completing the program?
Employment is not guaranteed, but Pacxa may offer fellows employment if there are open positions for which the fellows may be a good fit. Or, Pacxa may work with community and business partners to connect fellows with employment and/or training opportunities. So far, 100% of our graduated fellows have secured a job in IT.
How is the program funded?
At this time, Pacxa is funding the Huakaʻi Program, but we would like to partner with community agencies such as the American Job Centers Hawaiʻi, the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, ALU LIKE, U.S. VETS, and others who may be able to help defray the costs of training and help us increase the number of fellows we can train.
For questions about getting involved as a fellow or program partner, email us at [email protected].
Get alerts on tech news and announcements