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.

Fairbanks school district, UAF expand North Star College partnership

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and University of Alaska Fairbanks are expanding the North Star College program, an ongoing partnership that allows students to take college courses at UAF while still in high school.

Any junior or senior on track to graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA is eligible to apply, including students not currently enrolled in the district. UAF classes are on campus, and students can earn up to 15 tuition-free credits per semester. Participating students will earn both high school and college credits for their UAF classes. Students will be able to take seven-15 credits each semester. Read the full article here.

To learn more, visit www.k12northstar.org/NSC.

Source: UAF News and Information.

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.

REPOWERED FishBiz website!

Alaska commercial fishermen in search of business management assistance will find a wealth of information and tools on Alaska Sea Grant’s revised FishBiz website.

The redesigned and updated site has pertinent information for all phases of a commercial fishing career, from just entering, to upgrading and diversifying, to getting ready to retire. Topics include financing, income diversification, direct marketing and more. Podcasts and downloadable spreadsheets are featured throughout the site, as well as links to key state and federal resources important for making good business decisions.

Source: FishBiz

Tuition-free girls’ science, art expeditions seeking applicants

Inspiring Girls* Expeditions is inviting applications for their summer 2023 tuition-free, backcountry science and art education programs.

The expeditions are open to 16- to 18-year-old high school girls. Alaskans are highly encouraged to apply, and expeditions are especially targeted towards marginalized youth who may have experienced barriers accessing science- and outdoor-focused programs. Participants are selected through a competitive application process that focuses on passion for science, art and the outdoors, rather than academic grades or past achievements. 

Applications are due Jan. 30, 2023. For more information or to learn more about the application process, please visit the program website.

Source: UAF News & Information