A new pilot program from the City and County of Honolulu’s Economic Revitalization Office aims to help Oahu’s small businesses, nonprofits, and their employees step into the future of technology.
OER, in partnership with Māpunawai and Skilled Tomorrow, will launch AI for Everyone in the Workplace: Training Trainers to Teach Across Generations. The initiative aims to help organizations across the island implement artificial intelligence “in a practical, responsible and accessible way for a multi-generational workforce.”
The free, one-day training uses a “train the trainer” model that allows organizational leaders to introduce AI education to their employees, according to the city. According to the city’s recent announcement, participants (who commit to at least two in-house training sessions within six months of completing the program) will learn the fundamentals of AI, real-world workplace use cases, an instant writing framework, and strategies for “responsibly” teaching AI to older adults and multigenerational teams.
“AI is already present in our workplaces[s] It is widespread throughout Hawaii, and there is not always a clear roadmap for implementation and use,” OER said. Executive Director Amy Asselbay told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. “Hawaii has one of the highest labor force participation rates among older adults, and this age group is disproportionately left out of upskilling opportunities. [this] This gap is a regionally significant issue as people continue to remain in the workforce past retirement age to support themselves and their ‘ohana.
Asselbaye said the OER team is “constantly thinking” of ways to be more innovative in its approach and efforts to the program.
Workforce Development Program Manager She noted that Su Raso proposed a “train the trainer” framework based on subject matter expertise and findings from the workforce development sector.
”“We continue to work to increase upskilling and career path opportunities like our Good Jobs Oahu program,” Asselbay said. “Furthermore, the focus on AI training follows recommendations from OER’s Economic Revitalization Committee as part of this year’s priorities.”
Lazo said the goal of the program is to build capacity within organizations rather than relying on outside consultants, which comes at an additional cost. “Local businesses and nonprofits can train their own trainers and continue to teach their staff in-house, making AI education more sustainable and cost-effective.”
“By training trainers who can teach others, this program creates a ripple effect that spreads AI literacy, improves adaptability, and prepares organizations to remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy,” Lazo continued in a written response to questions. “Our partnership with Māpunawai and Skilled Tomorrow adds to the program’s capabilities with the ongoing technical assistance they provide to the community and the expert support they provide to this AI training program.”
Lazo said the program will help participating companies and nonprofits learn how to use AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for employees, “so organizations can increase productivity while preserving human judgment, organizational knowledge, and a trusted employee experience.”
The program is open to Oahu-based businesses and nonprofit organizations with 5 to 50 employees, according to the announcement. The ideal applicant is someone who works in human resources, administration, learning and development, or team leadership and is “ready to thoughtfully implement AI within their organization.”
No prior AI experience is required, but applicants will need a letter of support from their organization’s leadership confirming their ability to attend and conduct post-training sessions. Participants will be provided with resources to help introduce AI concepts to their teams and gather feedback.
Are you interested? Please apply here by May 27th. A group of 12 people will be selected and notifications will be sent out by June 3rd. Those who are eligible but not selected will be placed on a waiting list.
For the latest Hawaii news, sign up for our free daily newsletter here.
Stephanie Salmons It can be accessed at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
