The Hawaii Employers Council continues its commitment to serving businesses across the state with the upcoming “Essential Skills for Thriving in the Workplace” certificate series scheduled for Maui and Hawaii Island this fall. Each session covers all four courses in the Essential Skills series in a single day.
The series kicks off in Hilo on Friday, September 19, at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. The series then heads to Kahului on Friday, September 26, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. A Kona session follows on Wednesday, October 22, at the Royal Kona Resort. All three dates feature the full Essential Skills curriculum in one day, making it easier for teams to participate without taking multiple days off work.
The Essential Skills series addresses four critical workplace competencies through interactive, practical sessions designed for employees at any organizational level. The curriculum covers emotional intelligence for strengthening work relationships, intentional communication strategies, building trust through personal accountability, and critical thinking for creative problem solving. The program’s practical approach has garnered positive feedback from previous participants, with many sharing that they implemented learned strategies the following day.
“We recognize that professional development needs exist across the state,” said Leslie Gibo, Manager of Talent & Organizational Development at HEC. “Our Neighbor Island workshops ensure that businesses outside of Honolulu have the same access to quality training programs that support workforce development and organizational growth.”
All sessions are facilitated by Christina Tamaru, Trainer, Talent & Organizational Development at HEC. Christina brings experience in training, operations, and education, and guides participants through the day’s interactive format. Expect a practical, tools-first approach, frequent discussion, and time to connect with peers from other organizations.
Hilo: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center
Check-in: 8:40 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Maui: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
Maui Arts & Cultural Center (Morgado Hall), Kahului.
Check-in: 8:40 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Kona: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
Royal Kona Resort (Discovery Room), Kailua-Kona.
Check-in: 8:40 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Participants will be provided with breakfast and lunch.
These neighbor island workshops reflect HEC’s ongoing commitment to meet organizations where they are. Bringing "Essential Skills" to Hilo, Maui, and Kona makes it easier for employers to build capacity locally while keeping travel time and costs in check. As workforce development needs continue to evolve, HEC's presence across the state ensures that professional growth opportunities remain accessible to all Hawaii employers, regardless of their geographic location.
For registration and information, contact registrars@hecouncil.org.