Tag: Construction

Did You Know 96% of graduates from UA’s 46 Construction Programs Stay in Alaska to Build the State’s Future?

A University of Alaska Southeast student in a construction program in 2023 .

With Alaska poised for new infrastructure projects, the University of Alaska is stepping up to ensure the state has the workforce it needs. Through an $800,000 partnership between UA and industry leaders, the next generation of construction professionals is already taking shape. 

“We are building more than structures; we’re building futures,” states Meg Nordale, President of GHEMM Company and Chair of the UA Foundation Board of Directors

One of the UA’s most notable achievements is keeping talent close to home. A remarkable 96.2% of UA’s construction program graduates remain in Alaska, helping to fill key roles in industries ranging from transportation to resource extraction. These graduates are not just building Alaska’s infrastructure, but investing in and building up their communities, as well.

Read the full article here.

Source: UA News Center, Office of Public Affairs.

Women in Construction Week – March 6

WIC Week™, or Women in Construction Week™, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) held the first WIC Week in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since. This year’s theme, ‘Keys to the Future’, celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.

Alaska Safety Alliance (ASA) is excited to join the NAWIC Alaska Chapter to support a series of events for WIC Week! The NAWIC Alaska Chapters holds WIC Week events each year.  The 2024 events include OSHA a Kick-Off mixer at the Peanut Farm, OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training, a Get Hired event, and much more.  

Construction firms of all sizes and types are encouraged to participate in WIC Week and show their support for their women employees. Contact the Alaska Safety Alliance or NAWIC Alaska Chapter to volunteer or get more information about all upcoming events.

The planning committee is seeking sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for a variety of events all week long! Please help us spread the word and contact naomi@alaskasafetyalliance.org for more information.

Source: Alaska Safety Alliance.

University of Alaska: Producing Alaskan Workers for Alaska’s Workforce

Last Thursday, the University of Alaska (UA) showcased construction pathways and partnerships at the 2023 Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Alaska annual meeting. During the panel presentation, University of Alaska: Producing Alaskan Workers for Alaska’s Workforce, panelists shared the breath of UA construction pathways that lead to high-demand jobs; how K-12, UA and industry partners are collaborating to support students and close workforce gaps; and where to access resources and information for strengthening partnerships.

Continuing momentum of the construction workforce dialogue, UA will be hosting a virtual Construction & Planning Listening Session — the public is welcome to share how UA can improve partnerships with the construction community, and provide ideas to help strengthen the connection between industry and education to train Alaskans for jobs in Alaska.

UA Construction & Planning Listening Session
November 28, 2:00-4:00pm
Register Here

UA construction programs meet students where they are

The construction industry is important to communities all over the state. People can find a job, remain in their hometown, and enjoy the economic security that comes with a sustainable career, and UA is a pipeline for anyone interested in helping build Alaska.

From carpentry to surveying, heavy duty equipment to welding, and civil engineering to project and construction management, these programs range from short-term certificates to four-year degrees and beyond, and all are designed with industry input to provide the skills needed for employment or career advancement.

Watch the video to learn about about career pathways to construction management. To learn more about UA’s construction programs, explore the links below and see what each university has to offer:

University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Fairbanks

University of Alaska Southeast

Source: UA System Office of Public Affairs, Empower Alaska Campaign.

UA Helps “Build Alaska”

Opportunities for employment in the construction industry have never been better. Today, 1 in 20 jobs in Alaska are in construction, and this number will grow by 10% every year for the next 10 years. There will be many jobs to fill, and the University of Alaska is preparing students for successful careers in construction.

I tell anyone who comes and talks to me about a career path in construction, that if they have a passion for creating, for helping, for building the economy, building opportunity — this is a place for them. I think that the university is such a valuable partner.

Meg Nordale, President, GHEMM Company

The construction industry is important to communities all over the state. People can find a job, remain in their hometown, and enjoy the economic security that comes with a sustainable career, and UA is a pipeline for anyone interested in helping build Alaska.

Want to learn more about UA’s construction programs? Explore the links below and see what each university has to offer:

University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Fairbanks

University of Alaska Southeast

Having trouble viewing the video? Watch directly on YouTube.

Source: University of Alaska, System Office of Public Affairs, Empower Alaska campaign.