HONOLULU (Island News) -- Summer finds many Hawaii high school graduates getting ready to go to college.
But, an increasing number of young adults also look at alternative and cheaper ways to start a career.
In Kapolei, dozens of young workers are learning what it is like to be in the construction industry.
For some it is not just a summer job, but it could be the start of a career.
The high school students learn about basic building skills during this six-week summer program.
"I really like working with my hands. I don't like sitting at a desk all day, so being outside and working with a team is what I enjoy about construction," said Kalaheo High School Junior Drew Taylor.
After classroom and hands on learning, students will then head out to job sites and get paid to put into practice what they learned. It can also help them see if a career in the trades is for them.
"I really want to get better and improve my skills, and I will get a live look at what it is like in the construction field," added Taylor.
This is just one of several trades training program available to young adults looking for alternatives to college.
"We are offering another option for them. If you don't want to go to college here is the option: our program whether you are an apprentice or not you will learn life skills," said Edmund Aczon, Executive Director of Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund.
With costs for college rising, leaving more graduates with student loan debt along with their degree, some students turn to the trades and the free training offered.
"The best thing about going to the trades is you don't incur debt college debt. So it is a debt free career, and you earn while you learn," stated Aczon.
Carpentry students have to complete 615 classroom hours, and also on the job training.
"They have to do 8,000 hours to become a journeyman. That is equivalent to four to five years, but while they are doing the apprenticeship program they are getting paid," said Aczon.
Apprentice pay for carpenters starts at nearly $22 per hour but increases for every 1,000 of training completed, until they make full pay.
"Once they become a journeyman they can earn $110,000 year," added Aczon.
This weekend, 200 newly certified journeyworkers will graduate from the program, which typically takes 200-300 student per year depending on available jobs in the industry.
Already there is a wait list of 170 students wanting to start in carpentry, drywall, or become a millwright.
Other trades, like electricians and plumbers also offer alternative paths to a career.
