DLIR Volunteer Internship Program (VIP)
(08/09/12)
THE DLIR VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (VIP) is a Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) initiative designed to stimulate job growth in Hawaii. Governor Linda Lingle developed this innovative project in response to Hawaii’s growing job loss. VIP is a voluntary program that allows job seekers, especially those receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, to gain workforce training. Upon successful completion of training, interns receive certification of job skills acquired and consideration for employment. The opportunity to train through VIP is limited to 16-32 hours per week for anywhere between 4-8 weeks.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Businesses
Hawaii businesses (for-profit and non-profit) that are:
- In good business standing with the State of Hawaii
- Not in high risk occupations
Interns
- Priority for Hawaii UI Claimants (recently unemployed)
- Other unemployed or underemployed job seekers
- Claimants cannot intern in DLIR recognized apprenticable trades
HOW DO BUSINESSES BENEFIT?
- DLIR will prescreen qualified individuals for businesses
- Limited medical coverage for injuries sustained by an intern will be provided by DLIR
- VIP is voluntary and businesses have discretion to accept an intern
- Wages are not paid to an intern
- The solvency of the UI Trust Fund may be preserved for a longer period
HOW DO CLAIMANTS BENEFIT?
- Can aquaire new skills and experiences from job-specific training
- Participants receive a certificate of completion that can be shown to prospective employers
- Get a “foot in the door” for future job openings with a business by demonstrating one’s skills and talents
- Eligible UI claimants continue to receive UI benefits
WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Businesses: Sign up here for VIP Interns
Apply for a VIP Internship
Volunteer Internship Program Training Agreement
Business Evaluation of Intern
Intern Evaluation of Internship
Contact Information
