In partnership with the Hawaii Electric Light Company, the IBEW Local 1260, the Hawaii State Department of Education - Hilo, Laupahoehoe,,Waiakea, and Kealakehe High Schools, Hilo Community School for Adults, the Big Island Workplace Connection-Workforce Development Division, and the Hawaii Community College - Office of Continuing Education, Ohana Mentoring Network, recognized the need to connect school-based learning with work-based learning to meet the educational needs of our youth.

This program provided work-based learning experiences for high school students entering grades 11-12. Students learned and applied the skills and knowledge required for entry-level jobs in the utility industry. Students learned about performance standards, safety standards, values, work ethics, and standards of behavior expected at HELCO and other companies.

This Internship Program shadowed the Department of Education's "Career Pathways" grouping. Career Pathways are broad clusters of careers and occupations that have common skills and knowledge requirements. The six Pathways are:

• Natural Resources – such as environmental, agriculture/aquaculture, forestry, conservation, earth sciences, and marine science.
  
  
• Health Services – such as diagnostic technicians, therapeutic, support services, biotechnology research and development.
  
  
• Business – such as accounting, finance, management, management information systems, marketing, office administration and technology.
  
  
• Public and Human Services – such as education, legal & protective services, social sciences, service, and hospitality.
  
  
• Industrial and Engineering Technology – such as design and engineering, transportation systems, manufacturing, building and construction, and electronics and computer systems.
  
  
• Arts and Communications – such as visual arts, fashion arts and technologies, performing arts, written, media arts, and technologies.

Daily work experience with mentors introduced interns to a variety of trades and professions. Classroom experiences provided them the theory and understanding of utility company operations and the various jobs required for its operation. During classes, students connected between what "Job Readiness, and Workforce Excellence" Curriculum, which is necessary for a job and what is taught in school. Interns learned aspects that are common to all industries. They also learned marketable skills that businesses demand.

This program addresses the Department of Education Hawaii Content & Performance Standards and the General Learner Outcomes.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application:
Each student applied for HELCO Internship, via individual schoolteacher, counselor or school liaison.

Safety Inspection:
Prior to the start of this Internship Program, a work site safety survey was completed, and currently still available for purview. This documentation assured that all safety measures were addressed. (ie. Hawaii Electric Light Company and IBEW Local 1260 standards; the Hawaii State Department of Education - Hilo, Laupahoehoe, Waiakea & Kealakehe High Schools, Hilo Community School for Adults regulations; and the Hawaii State Dept. of Labor & Industrial Relations -Workforce Development Division, Child Labor Laws were being adhered to.)

Interview:
Each student completed several panel interviews, which included members of HELCO employee's (HR Dept., Administration, Dept. Heads, and Supervisors), and a BIWC/WDD - Youth System Builder Representative.

The first interview involved questions about the applicant, future endeavors, career directions, community involvement, and educational aspirations.

The second interview was a direct "feedback" of the applicant original interview. A time to hear from an employer "how well" the applicant did, and "what areas to improve on" for future interviews to come.

Acceptance:
Those who were selected took a picture for "temporary employee" identification badge, received a letter of acceptance into the pilot project, which outlined start date, time, and where to report.

HELCO's ROLE

Besides working with the schools and the Big Island Workplace Connection to develop the curriculum for the program, various HELCO departments and employees committed to the development of the calendar and agenda.

All interns completed our BIWC/WDD "Job Readiness and Workforce Excellence" curriculum, by completing weekly assignments, classroom activities, group interaction, facilitation, research, integration of work assignments, and sharing experiences on the job. These activities engaged each intern, and provided them with the necessary skills to not just look for work, work on careers, but to make them a better individual, and more importantly, a better potential employee.

Interns were required to remain drug free and be physically and mentally fit to perform the tasks and assignments of this program.

Each intern completed a final project portfolio that is related to aspects of industry and shows their understanding of the connections between school and work. Students wrote a short paper, produced a display board, and made an oral presentation to a panel of HELCO, BIWC/WDD staff, DOE personnel, and parents. The school liaison mentored the intern in showing the relationship of the General Learner Outcomes (GLO's), Schoolwide Learner Outcomes (SLO's), standards-based curriculum and work-based experience to effect student learning. Student completed work are currently being used in school and community presentations and displays.

Interns provided waivers allowing the use of photographs depicting their participation in this program and the display of their work by any of the partners of this program for the purpose of program promotion and/or education of others.

• Composure: How I keep my cool? How I don't keep my cool? Knowing your own "hot buttons," and how to keep them in check. Able to handle "stress," and adjusts to changes or resistance. Keeps cool under pressure and in a crisis situation.
  
  
• Problem Solving: How do I solve problems? Works through the process, analyzes steps for the best solution, prepares for, and expects the unexpected. Not a shame to ask for input or for help. Not afraid to communicate and engage in collaboration to attain goals or plans.
  
  
• Interpersonal Relations: How do I get along with others? Why not able to get along with others? Able to communicate and get along with others. Uses tact, and interaction to calm things down in stressful situations.
  
  
• Teamwork: Recognizes and appreciates everyone's contributions, communicates openly with others, and shares a commitment to achieve common goals. Respects each other, understands own role as a member. Takes care of own kuleana, follow through on commitments, and support other team members.
  
  
• Integrity &Trusts: Able to be trusted. Maintains confidences, doesn't "gossip" or "lie." Admits mistakes, and quick to apologize for errors. How I carry myself, and Can I trust you.
  
  
• Ethics & Values: What do you stand for? What is important to you? Able to stand by the right values, no matter what, and does not acknowledge the wrong values. Talks the talk, and walks the walk. Someone who does what he or she says they will do. Able to distinguish between right and wrong, and makes the right choices.
  
  
• Learning On The Fly: How I adjust to change. Needs to be open-minded, want to learn new things, always try to do better or improves own self. If not able to adjust to change, will have continuous stress.
  
  
• Listening: Can you hear me now? What I am saying? In order to hear, one must have own mouth closed. Need to hear what is really being said or asked. Must be patient, and not be afraid to ask questions.