The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Workforce Development Division has launched the Hele Imua Internship Program to help job seekers gain practical experience and develop skills. The program also provides opportunities to explore careers in government work. State agencies are encouraged to host interns, offering young professionals a chance to experience public sector jobs, according to the Office of the Governor.
Several individuals who have participated in the Hele Imua Internship Program have shared positive experiences, including Jonathan Fatu, who gained valuable direction during his internship at the Department of Human Services, aligning it with his career goals. Megan Yamamoto, also placed at the Department of Human Services, expressed, "The program connects individuals to jobs in a meaningful way, fostering a sustainable workforce and retaining local talent," as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Kyra Kaloi, a former intern, said, "This program equipped me with invaluable skills and knowledge I will carry for a lifetime." She later got a job as an Employment Service Specialist II at Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Alexander Stroble shared, “Before Hele Imua, I had applied to many positions without success,” but added, "The program allowed me to show my merits through actions." His work with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’s TDI Disability team helped him gain valuable experience. The Hele Imua Internship Program continues to provide opportunities for meaningful work and professional connections. For more information, visit labor.hawaii.gov/wdd or call 808-586-8877, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
