The purpose of this project to provide vocational training to high school students (juniors and seniors) preparing to enter the workforce; young and “at risk” parents with minimal job skills and education; young adults currently in the workforce with interest in strengthening their current job skills; and/or youth and young adults currently in programs with other agencies with gaps in job skills.

Trades

RDP co-sponsored a CARP 90V: Safety & Use of Hand/Power Tools introductory course during the Spring 2007 semester with the help of the Maui Community College – Molokai Education Center and the Molokai Community Service Council which offered its woodshop as a training site and covered tuition for teens enrolled in their Ho’omana Hou Charter School. The eight (8) enrolled qualify for college credit. RDP provided hand and power tools, and other supplies to support the training. The knowledge developed will provide a sound foundation for other trades training that will be offered by RDP and its partners.

Culinary Arts

High School youth surveyed at the 2007 Future Fest Career Exploration Day have demonstrated a keen interest in Culinary Arts as a career path, with several signing up to participate in related training. Regular employment listings in the Molokai newspapers for chefs/cooks and food service workers denote local demand for work in this industry.

A one-week summer Exploration in Culinary Arts and Practical Skills Enhancement Program will be sponsored by RDP and multiple partners. The nationally recognized and award winning Maui Culinary Academy at the Maui Community College will deliver the training. Participants will undergo an intensive culinary “boot camp” and experience hands-on learning in sanitation and organization; tools and equipment; kitchen lab preparation; soup stock and sauces; meat, poultry and seafood preparation; egg, salads and vegetables; cooking techniques; tasting and seasoning; reading recipes; menu preparation; and presentation. Participants will take field trips to familiarize themselves with island merchants and farmers to integrate local produce in food preparation. The training will conclude in a “culminating” graduation experience with family and guests whereby youth may showcase their newly developed culinary skills in a banquet setting.

The Kamehameha Schools is involved in the planning phase and will contribute a portion of transportation dollars and in-kind services. The Molokai High School will also contribute in-kind, rent-free its certified kitchen and cafeteria facility for instruction. These partners will also assist in recruitment. Buy-in from local hotels and restaurants will be sought as sources for career-shadowing and future employment opportunities.

Youth & Young Adult Training encompasses various projects that fit the goals. The carpentry trades portion is ongoing this semester, known as the credit course CARP 90V. Classes are held at the MCSC Woodshop. Upcoming for summer is the Youth Culinary Program, which is still in its planning phase.

View the project album for the CARP 90 V course.