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.

Fisheries Scholarship Available

Fisheries programs across the University of Alaska system collaborate to provide a workforce for federal and state organizations, public and private non-profit salmon and shellfish hatcheries, and strive to help maintain the health of Alaska’s waters and aquatic resources. In support of this mission, faculty from fisheries programs across UA make scholarship funding available to students entering or enrolled in a fisheries or fisheries-related program. The number of awards given and amounts vary, but typically range from $500 to $2,000.

To be eligible, students must apply and be admitted to a fisheries or fisheries-related program through the University of Alaska.

For more information about the scholarship and application, follow this link.

Source: UA Office of Workforce Development.

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.

UAF Student Grows Career with Alaska Airlines

Photo by Joe Nicholson

University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) student, Kyle H., became a full-fledged aircraft technician last year through the Alaska Airlines Maintenance Technician Development Program.

When he was 20, Kyle began working as a ramp service agent in Juneau, Alaska — but his aspirations required more. He enrolled in the UAF airframe & powerplant (A&P) program to pursue licensure, while simultaneously continuing his work as a ramp service agent, but becoming a student while employed proved to be a hard transition for Kyle.

To that end, Kyle learned about a program for aspiring aircraft mechanics that could help him with class fees while working. Encouragement from leaders inspired him to apply, and he was accepted. As the first student completing the program, Kyle received $12,300 in stipends and mentorship opportunities with a certified airframe and power plant (A&P) technician.

Now, Kyle established his role as a line aircraft technician in Anchorage, and encourages others to consider applying for the program.

“Know what you’re capable of, but don’t be afraid to push your limits. Hard work and determination will always pay off, and I’m living proof,” says Kyle.

Read more about about Kyle’s story.

Source: Marianne Lindsey, Alaska Airlines News & Stories.

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.