{"id":218050,"date":"2025-06-27T14:12:19","date_gmt":"2025-06-28T00:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=218050"},"modified":"2025-07-01T14:40:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T00:40:05","slug":"uh-tackles-workforce-shortage-parks-and-rec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/06\/27\/uh-tackles-workforce-shortage-parks-and-rec\/","title":{"rendered":"Education to employment: UH<\/abbr> System tackles workforce shortage in parks and rec"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
\"people
Students in the Good Jobs Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> and Windward CC<\/abbr> plant propagation course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Facing an entry-level workforce shortage, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR<\/abbr>) partnered with Good Jobs Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span><\/a>—a collaboration among the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community Colleges<\/a>, employers and organizations to help local residents access well-paying, stable jobs—to address vacancies and fast-track employment.<\/p>\n

\"people
Students in the Good Jobs Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> and Windward CC<\/abbr> plant propagation course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Good Jobs Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> launched a specialized “Green Jobs” course series to equip participants with the hands-on skills needed for careers in agriculture and conservation. Collaborating with Windward Community College<\/a>, Good Jobs Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> modified a plant propagation course to meet DPR<\/abbr>\u2019s minimum hiring requirements. The program focuses on real-world experience, mentorship and career navigation—enabling students to explore the field and prepare for immediate employment. Most Green Jobs courses are fully funded, eliminating financial barriers for career changers.<\/p>\n

“Good Jobs Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> actually helped me pay for the program and my schooling,” said Matthew Cordeiro, now employed as a nursery worker with DPR<\/abbr>. “I\u2019m excited for the future because I\u2019ve got a good job that will take me where I want to go.”<\/p>\n

Employers visit courses to connect with students, while dedicated career navigators provide wraparound support, helping participants overcome socioeconomic barriers and stay on track.<\/p>\n

\"people
Students in the Good Jobs Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> and Windward CC<\/abbr> plant propagation course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of the 20 students in the plant propagation course, more than half applied for DPR<\/abbr> jobs\u2014five were hired immediately after completing the course. As a result, DPR<\/abbr> vacancies dropped from 50 positions to just 6%. Green Jobs also cut the average onboarding timeline from 10 months to five.<\/p>\n

“If you love the ʻ\u0101ina<\/span> and want to care for it, this program will help you do just that,” said graduate Marcy Lindsay.<\/p>\n

Workforce development is a core pillar of the UH<\/abbr> System Â鶹´«Ã½<\/a>.<\/p>\n