Creating a path to leadership
“In order to be a good leader, what you are working toward needs to be bigger than you,” that is the advice of Ryno Irwin, CEO of Hawaii Unified, a Makaha, Hawaii based commercial construction, energy, and facilities management company. Sungage Financial is pleased to spotlight Hawaii Unified, wrapping up this month’s Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity AANHPI theme.
Hawaii Unified, a leading general contracting firm specializing in renewable energy, engineering, procurement, and construction, has first-hand experience creating opportunities for native Hawaiians in the solar industry.
“Since we self-perform almost all of the trade work needed for our projects, we employ a large workforce of skilled craftsmen,” Mr. Irwin said. “In fact, 100% of our over 100 employees are Hawaii residents.”
As solar technology emerged and grew, the need for skilled solar tradesmen quickly became evident. Hawaii Unified partnered with the Makaha Learning Center, a nonprofit that provides career paths for Native Hawaiian students in the construction industry, to provide hands-on, work-based learning in a field lab environment to complement the classroom curriculum.
The Center’s 100-hour Solar Training program, PV 101 is the gateway to a career in the solar industry. “For those willing to jump in on the ground floor of this emerging technology, the sky’s the limit!” Makaha Learning Center’s president, Danielle "Duckie" Irwin, said. The Center also creates the connection from classroom to career, with an employer meet & greet event held upon program completion. Local employers eagerly attend to fill their job openings.
"A career in solar not only improves your future, it upholds the Hawaiian cultural commitment of taking care of the sacred earth - aina (earth). So, you get to wear your green cape to work every day!” Duckie said.
Mr. Irwin offers this advice to anyone considering a career in solar: “A brighter future is within your grasp. Take the steps now to create a more sustainable future for yourself, your family, and our planet by getting involved in the solar industry.”