workforce and education

Maui offers a dedicated, well-trained workforce. More than 85 percent are high school graduates, 25 percent are college graduates, and a further 24 percent are attending, or have attended, college. Maui’s 32 public and 21 private schools are supplemented by the University of Hawaii’s UH-Maui College (UHMC), which provides degree and certificate programs as well as continuing education opportunities.

In preparing the workforce for successful careers in 21st century businesses, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs are provided by many of Maui’s high schools as well as UHMC. Maui’s workforce also has access to such centers of technological excellence on Oahu as Chaminade University, the University of Hawaii (UH) and UH College of Engineering (with an enrollment of 900), and the UH Computer Science Department.

Workforce Growth

• An estimated 450 information and technology companies operate on Maui, with a total workforce of more than 2,000, which is approximately 3 percent of the total workforce.
• While many of the sector’s jobs are concentrated in the information, communications, and defense/aerospace markets, environmental sciences, agricultural biotech, ocean science, and renewable energy were additional technology markets playing a significant role in the industry growth.
• Overall, the largest employment sectors of Maui’s economy are tourist-oriented businesses (accommodation and food services, including arts and entertainment); construction, health, and social services, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and administrative services.