As artificial intelligence (AI) changes the job market, the University of Hawaiʻi is stepping up to help prepare local workers. The university has teamed up with the State Workforce Development Council and the non-profit Imua ʻOnipaʻa for a special symposium series called “The AI Transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi’s Workforce for the Future.”
The second event in this series will take place on June 25, 2026, at Honolulu Community College. It will focus on building a workforce ready for AI, discussing how businesses can adopt AI responsibly and what this means for different industries and jobs. This session aims to guide education and training providers in Hawaiʻi.
The collaboration with organizations like the Hawaiʻi Department of Education and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism highlights the university’s role in workforce development. UH President Wendy Hensel emphasized the importance of this initiative for Hawaiʻi’s economic future, saying, “Preparing our local workforce for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is essential for Hawaiʻi’s economic resilience.”
Bennette E. Misalucha, the executive director of the State Workforce Development Council, pointed out that Hawaiʻi has a unique opportunity. Instead of just reacting to AI changes, the state can prepare its workforce and communities to use AI effectively. “The AI Symposium Series aims to bring together stakeholders to understand this moment of change and ensure that Hawaiʻi is ready for both technology and its people,” she said.
The first session in this series, held in April at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, featured experts from the AI Safety Awareness Project. They discussed AI’s complexities, including data challenges, privacy issues, and how AI could impact our daily lives and society.
Christine Beaule, the UH System Director of Workforce Development, noted that the series tackles critical challenges and opportunities. “AI will affect us all in surprising ways; it’s crucial to prepare students for the future of work and lifelong learning,” she said.
Recent studies show that AI could automate 60% of all jobs over the next couple of decades, leading to significant changes in various sectors. As experts suggest, this transition makes training in AI essential.
In summary, as AI continues to evolve, initiatives like this symposium are vital. They not only prepare the workforce but also provide a platform for community engagement and collaboration, ensuring that everyone is ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
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