Tag: Construction

University of Alaska Offers More than 40 Construction Programs

Did you know the University of Alaska system offers more than 40 programs directly related to the construction industry in 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.

There’s always been a need to train new generations of people to work in construction. But the number of job openings in Alaska jumped by 40 percent from 2019 to 2022, and spending from the Infrastructure Act will make filling high-wage jobs even more challenging. Nearly $3 billion is expected to come to Alaska in the next few years from the Infrastructure Act. Another set of projects that will require more technicians and construction workers are the proposals to significantly expand and enhance broadband access across Alaska. 

Since 2011, 3,626 people have graduated from programs relevant to the state’s construction industry and are working either directly in construction or are employed in closely-related industries such as transportation, mining, and oil and gas. Significant numbers also work in state and local government. 

Learn more about the programs, partnerships and opportunities available across the University of Alaska system in our latest “Did You Know” video feature.

Did You Know highlights the UA system’s many successful programs through storytelling and data. Our goal is to educate readers about the universities’ roles in improving lives and shaping the state’s economy. These stories are shared on social media and posted on the website.

Women in Construction Week

Women in Construction Week (WIC Week) is next week, March 5-11th!

WIC Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Alaska Chapter has partnered with some great local organizations to host events in both Anchorage and Fairbanks. View the full list of events here.

March 10th, from 12-4pm, Alaska Safety Alliance (ASA) is hosting an Open House for women interested in joining the construction, oil & gas, maritime, and mining workforce, and women currently working in those industries who want to transition to a new position or pursue continuing education. Explore the many pathways to get the education and training you need, right here in Alaska! Occupation opportunities ranges from the trades (laborers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipeline operations, etc) to Project Management, Health & Safety, Human Resources, Business Management, Engineering and many more! Guest speakers will be featured between 1-3pm to share opportunities and tips for gaining education and employment. RSVP here.

Source: Alaska Safety Alliance

UAF Bristol Bay Campus receives funding for solar energy training

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus recently received  support from the Alaska Technical Vocational Education Program for a solar energy installation instructor training program.
 
This “train the trainer” initiative will teach participants how to install solar electric power systems and how to teach the concepts to help certify others with Solar Energy International. The goal of this training is to develop the first group of Alaska-trained solar electric installation instructors in the state.

The solar energy training will take place in Spring 2023 and is for groups and individuals interested in beginning their professional careers in solar energy in the state of Alaska.

To learn more about this opportunity and join in the training, contact esgoddard01@alaska.edu or the Bristol Bay Campus at uaf-bbcinfo@alaska.edu.

Source: UAF News and Information.

Alaska January Economic Trends

In January Trends: All Alaska industries expected to add jobs or hold steady, worker shortages are ongoing, and federal infrastructure money will start flowing in 2023. Read more about Alaska’s economic outlook in this issue of Trends.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

ACEP Expands Summer Internship Program for 2023

Interns have played an integral role in the UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power’s development and growth, and in return ACEP has provided a launch pad for interns to continue their professional careers. The ACEP summer internship program is a 10-week summer program based in Fairbanks. It will provide opportunities for interns to gain hands-on research experience and skill development in the energy industry, while being mentored by an ACEP researcher on a specific research project.

Source: UAF News