HONOLULU — Paid internship opportunities with participating businesses through the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services, WorkHawaii Division’s Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy, and Training Program are now available, announced Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • The QUEST Program provides access to positions in careers that are in demand for all those who face barriers such as lack of work experience, long-term unemployment, and previous criminal history or incarceration

  • Participating businesses are also able to expand their workforce at no cost through the program — interns’ wages are paid for by the WorkHawaii Division throughout the internship

Interns in the program will receive financial compensation while gaining work experience for up to six months. They will also receive comprehensive case management with an employment consultant for future job opportunities.

“We have a dynamic job market here, and it can be daunting to someone with limited work experience to try and find a foothold into a new career,” said WorkHawaii Business Services Coordinator Mark Menard in a release. “The QUEST internship program allows us to bridge the gap between job seekers and businesses looking to hire, giving each side an opportunity to grow.”

The QUEST Program is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act National Dislocated Worker Grant. It provides access to positions in careers that are in demand for all those who face barriers such as lack of work experience, long-term unemployment, and previous criminal history or incarceration.

Participating businesses are also able to expand their workforce at no cost through the program — interns’ wages are paid for by the WorkHawaii Division throughout the internship.

Eligibility requirements for the QUEST Program and information on how to become a QUEST worksite are available by contacting WorkHawaii at 808-768-5784 or filling out the online WorkHawaii Program Interest Form.