Senate hears $6 million proposal to expand early-learning apprenticeships

The committee considered H.B. 1872 to create an early-learning apprenticeship grant program administered by the University of Hawaii and to require an annual report.

Nathan Morata, Dean at UH-Manoa College of Education, said the bill "offers tangible solutions" to grow the early-learning workforce by supporting career pathways, apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Yuko Arakoa Cross (Executive Office on Early Learning) told lawmakers registered apprenticeship programs provide structured experience, employer-paid classroom learning and wraparound supports that benefit nontraditional entrants.

Advocates emphasized workforce and economic impacts. Nadia Holt of the Chamber of Commerce said childcare instability costs the state hundreds of millions annually and low wages impede recruitment and retention; Malia Suchia (Hawaii Children's Action Network) described early-learning work as hands-on and argued apprenticeship supports would reduce financial barriers.

Witnesses described pilot activity and funding. UH staff said there are small cohorts (roughly 8–10 apprentices statewide; some supported via community-college partnerships and ARPA funds). Panelists said apprentices start at about $17–19 per hour, mentors may receive a stipend (testimony suggested about $5,000), and a rough funding scenario of $6 million could support about 25 apprentices, 25 mentor stipends and broader wage support for some 200 existing early-learning staff.

Senators pressed for clearer estimates of the number of apprentices, program costs and long-term funding sources. The University and early-learning office said some federal grants and ARPA funds previously supported apprenticeships but that sustained state funding would be needed to scale the program.

The committee deferred action pending further cost and scale details.