Finding a career path through Remote Ready Hawai‘i
Posted on Jul 29, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Siniva and Morning-Glory at Goodwill Hilo.
Graduating at 17 during the pandemic, Morning-Glory saw her senior year of high school cut short, and she felt unsure about what to do next. Hearing this, a family member referred her to Goodwill Hawaiʻi in Hilo for support. Within a few days, Morning was able to get a job at a fast-food restaurant but quickly realized she wanted to do more. She and Goodwill counselor Siniva worked together to research different career paths. Morning wanted a career that would allow her to take on more responsibility with opportunities for advancement.
Siniva introduced her to Remote Ready Hawaiʻi, a new initiative by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), and the Workforce Development Council (WDC). The program provides residents with intensive training to find jobs remotely and quickly. Morning completed the paid training and, within a few weeks, successfully passed all the certifications. “At first, I thought this program was too good to be true. I am forever grateful to Siniva and Goodwill for guiding me to where I am today. I was finally able to step into a career I never imagined doing: working from home, helping people meet their customer service needs!” said Morning. She was offered a customer support position for Instant Teams, earning $4.25 more an hour than before, with full benefits and a flexible, full-time schedule. “I love this program and the flexibility it gives me to manage my own time, to make a good living and to live life on my terms.”