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.

AK ACTE – Celebrating Excellence in CTE

The Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education (AK ACTE), is proud to recognize outstanding educators, organizations, and sponsors across the state of Alaska for the 2020-2021 awards.

CTE Teacher of the Year: Ronnie Hawley, Tikigak School, Point Hope, North Slope Borough School District. Award sponsored by Alaska Resource Education.

New CTE Teacher of the YearSusanna Mishler, King Tech High School, Anchorage School District. Award sponsored by the Alaska Business Education Compact.

CTE Leadership AwardCarin Smolin, Juneau School District. Award sponsored by the Alaska Safety Alliance.

Community Service Award: Bering Straits School District CTE Program for manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment for regional health care responders and providers, and seafood industry workers.

Career Guidance AwardAnne Adasiask-Andrew, Anchorage School District.

Innovative Program AwardCTE Summer Intensives for Special Populations, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. Award sponsored by Donlin Gold.

AK ACTE will be celebrating these deserving award winners in partnership with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development at their Spring CTE Work Session.

Source: AK ACTE

Career and Technical Education’s Vital Role in Economic Recovery

During this time of uncertainty, Career Technical Education (CTE) is more important than ever. The current and projected economic downturn is devastating for many communities, and disproportionately impacting Black and Latinx workers, workers with a high school education or less and female workers. CTE is a program that works for both learners and employers, and should be a critical component of America’s road to economic recovery.

Make the case for CTE’s vital role in economic recovery in your state today!
How to Use Guide and Resources: www.careertech.org/advocate

Source: CTE Works

Alaska ACTE Seeks Nominations to Award Excellence

Each year, the Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) board of directors recognizes the outstanding work of the CTE professionals in Alaska through the annual award nomination process. Nominated by their peers, the recipients will be announced in December and celebrated at the February 2021 CTE Directors meeting. Know someone in secondary, postsecondary, or industry who is deserves recognition for excellence in CTE? Submit nominations by Nov. 13.

Source: Alaska ACTE