Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 1, 1 January 1991 — On-the-job training success stories [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]
On-the-job training success stories
Hawaii Island Center The shops at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Kawaihae are a long way from Kai Store in Hilo, yet, they both are in the retail business and both are special to Diane Kai. "I am the eighth child of nine, born to Herbert Akamu Kai and Regina Aiu Kai. My fascination with retailing (began) early in life when I sold crackseed to my classmates during recess at St. Joseph's Elementary School, in rainy Hilo. "In my adult life, I continued to be drawn to retailing. It seemed that destiny brought me to the Mauna Kea International Shops. I was hired as a salesclerk. "My first month on the sales floor was exhilarating. It was the peak of the season; people from all over the world flowed through the property. Sales were constantly being rung up on the eomputerized register — a long way from the cash tin of earlier years. "Being that I still lived in Hilo, I would have three precious driving hours to digest the excitement of the day's activities and also to see the bridge between the old and new. "As a little girl selling candies and sodas behind the counter in Mom and Dad's store, 1 never dreamed that one day I would be a shop supervisor and associate buyer at this world-renowned resort destination.
"T oday I am learning another aspect of the business — the internal format. Our head buyer says, 'Retail is detail.' I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from the salesclerks, vendors, and my office peers. This knowledge is vital to understanding how to approach eaeh situation, so the result is beneficial to the function. "As I reflect upon the events that have brought me to this point, there is a person that stands out for her integrity, faith and strength: Marion Smith, my guide, my immediate supervisor. I am grateful to the Alu Like On-the-Job Training Program, for supporting me and for encouraging businesses to educate and promote Hawaiians like myself. Alu Like is working with the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel to provide opportunities for Hawaiians to gain new skills and refine old ones. Through them, I am achieving horizons that I had only seen in dreams." by Karen Harrison, counselor Janus Espere successfully completed the Alu Like on-the-job training program and is now an officer manager with NMI Super Office. Neil Morriss, owner of NMI Super Office, notes "Janus Espere has been with us for the past year and has become an important asset to the company." Shari Vincent eame to Alu Like, ine. Hawaii Island Center in 1988 with the sincere desire to become a nurse. She was immediately enrolled in our classroom training program whieh provided her with assistance to cover the cost of tuition and books. For two years, Shari sacrificed and worked hard to accomplish this goal. Her drive and determination finally paid off when she graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with honors! In addition, Shari also received several awards for academic excellence and has been repeatedly commended for her outstanding work at the hospital. To top off her success, Shari hasjust passed the state licensing exam and has been hired as a registered nurse for the state of Hawaii at Hilo Hospital. We, the staff at Alu Like, ine. would like to take this means to congratulate Shari on her success. We are proud to have assisted such a dedicated individual who will certainly prove to be an asset to the medical profession. by Roxcie L. Waltjen, career counselor
A year ago, Robin Amador set a goal to beeome a real estate agent. Today she is an agent with Century 21 Associated Realty, ine. Robin admits that working toward her goal was not easy. "Sometimes I would study eight hours a day. It was difficult balancing school work with family. However, I was determined to make it." The first time Robin took the state exam, she fell several points short. A month later she retook the exam and passed with flying colors. Robin adds that "There is still a lot of training and classes to take whieh will help me in my job. I must be up-to-date and be well-informed of the changes in real estate. I want to thank Alu Like for helping me to reach and achieve my goal." by Joy Reyes James W. Lukzen and Alex Gacayan have successfully completed Alu Like's on-the-job training program at Gentry Ranch. According to project manager Richard Henry, these employees are prompt. dependable and organized. See page 18. For more information on the Alu Like, ine., on-the-job training program eall 961-2625 in Hilo, 8854700 in Kamuela and 326-1899 in Kona.
Diane Kai
Clockwise from above: Janus Espere, Shari Vincent, Robin Amador
LIKE
(presented by Ka Wai Ola O OHA and Alu Like as a public service)
Success stories from page 1 7
Molokai Island Center On-the-job training (OJT) participant, Jeannie K. Bishaw-Hamakua completed her training in October and is now a ward clerk with Molokai General Hospital. Jeannie previously attended Maui Community College and received a certificate as a personal care attendant. Wanting to use her skills, Jeannie applied with Moiokai Generai Hospital's nursing department. Meanwhile she kept busy working as a substitute teacher for the Department of Education. In August, the hospital notified Alu Like they were advertising for a ward clerk. Jeannie was interviewed and was hired in September. Since her placement, Jeannie's supervisor has been very pleased with herworkperformanceand operational skills. Jeannie says she is very happy with her new position and is considering further education in nursing. by Edmund "Oboy" Pedro, career counselor Ekela Uahinui, 19, first developed an interest in agriculture as a senior at Molokai High and Intermediate School, when hejoineditschapterof Future Farmers of America. With the support and encouragement of his teacher, Ekela became an active member, and participated in its many activities. He also helped in and around the agriculture facility through the after-school work program. He tended the vegetable crops and greenhouse and also the many farm animals. This interest was considered when Ekela entered Alu Like's employment and training program. He is working as an agriculture technician at Maui Community College-Molokai Farms. He was also encouraged to continue his education and so he is also taking agriculture courses from MCC. When asked how he felt about his work and school, he replied, "Plenty to leam and hard work . . . . not like in high school." James Boswell, manager of Maui Community College-Molokai Farms adds, "Although Ekela has quite a bit to leam, his work habits are developing and he is improving in the quality and quantity of his work." Boswell is satisfied with Ekela's progress in his agriculture classes and feels the combination of work and school is an excellent way for Ekela to leam about agriculture. With perseverance and lots of encouragement, Ekela ean achieve his career goals in the field that he enjoys — agriculture. by Jenni Ashitomi, counselor O'ahu Island Center Mary Ann Kaula applied in July to the on-the-job training program. Despite physical handicaps and an amputated leg, a training program was found for her with the Department of Education as
a Hawaiian Studies teacher. Born on Ni'ihau, Mary Ann is a native Hawaiian speaker and now shares her knowledge with the children of Hawai'i. by Leona Teale Kaleo Woo started with Alu Like in November 1989 as a media specialist at the O'ahu island center office. While with the media project he gained skills in research and video production and clerical skills such as typing, xeroxing and phone work. The work experience program has given him the opportunity to grow and understand the world of work. Kaleo completed the employment and training program with enough skills to make choices in different careers. He is currently working for Honolulu Federal and his employer reports he is doing well and the companv is quite pleased. By Joseph Serrao, counselor
James Lukzen (L) and Alex Gacayan