Hawaii’s employers are in a bind. Jobs sit open across our islands, yet talented people struggle to even get a foot in the door. It’s not just a “shortage problem.” It’s a how-we-hire problem.
Too often, traditional hiring screens out qualified candidates before they even get considered. Four-year degrees and linear career paths are still the default filters, leaving behind veterans with proven leadership skills, career changers with transferable expertise, and self-taught professionals who have already delivered results. That’s not just their loss; it’s ours.
Forward-looking Hawaii organizations are recognizing what many mainland adopters already know: skills-first hiring changes the game. When you evaluate people on what they can actually do—not just where they went to school—you unlock untapped talent, build stronger teams, and fuel community growth.
Take the healthcare facility that solved staffing gaps by hiring for customer service strengths instead of industry background. Or the tech firm that found brilliant problem-solvers among community college students who would’ve been screened out by degree requirements. Those weren’t compromises. They were smart, strategic moves.
But let’s be real: shifting to skills-first isn’t about good intentions alone. It means putting frameworks in place to define competencies clearly, measuring potential for growth, and setting new hires up for success. It means moving beyond academic theory into practical, real-world application.
And here’s the best part—no employer has to go it alone. Partnering with workforce development programs opens doors to pre-screened candidates, training resources, and even financial support for on-the-job development. That turns hiring from a transactional task into an investment in both organizational capability and community prosperity.
The shift doesn’t have to start big. Pilot a program with one role or one department. Capture wins, refine the process, and build champions who can show why it works.
For Hawaii employers, this shift isn’t optional…it’s urgent. Our high cost of living makes it critical to fully leverage our workforce’s potential. To do this, organizations must create pathways that remove barriers and recognize existing skills.
The real question isn’t whether skills-based hiring should happen here; it’s how quickly we can implement it. If you want a practical step and a partner to assist with the process, join our upcoming free webinar, Skills-Based Hiring with WorkHawaiʻi: Unlock Talent, Reduce Barriers. You’ll learn why traditional screens miss strong candidates, how to define “skills” and “capacity” in clear terms, and where WorkHawaiʻi can support you with pipelines, pre-screening, and training reimbursements. You’ll leave with no-cost actions to pilot in your organization right away.
Details: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 10–11 a.m., via Zoom. Complimentary registration.
When Hawaii’s employers hire for what people can do and what they can become, everyone wins. Skills-first hiring isn’t a trend. It’s a smart, strategic choice that delivers talent and performance. Be part of the shift.