Tag: UAA

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.

UAA collaboration receives $4.39M toward teacher training and retention in Bristol Bay

In early September 2022, the Bristol Bay Teaching and Learning Collaborative (BBTLC) —  which comprises the UAA School of Education (SOE), Bristol Bay Native Corporation Education Foundation (BBNCEF), Alaska Humanities Forum, Bristol Bay Region Career and Technical Education, Bristol Bay Native Corporation and Bristol Bay’s four school districts — was awarded a $4.39 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), just in time for the start of a new academic year.

BBTLC will focus on three areas: facilitating teacher development and retention from the region, enhancing positive engagement between the communities and schools, and helping teachers from outside the region better understand local context through culturally responsive practices. Read more.

Source: UAA News.

Parents of High-Schoolers

Prince William Sound College (PWSC) is offering free tuition and housing to any Alaska high-school student who enrolls in any PWSC course. Students can pursue occupational endorsement certificates (OECs), work towards an associate or bachelor’s degree, or take dual-credit courses.

Source: Prince William Sound College