For Immediate Release
December 17, 2021
Contact:  AVTEC Director Cathy LeCompte (907) 224-6150

“The Alaska Vocational Technical Center Launches IT Apprenticeships”

Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) has launched the first apprenticeship for Technology and Network Support Specialist in Alaska and is recruiting to fill its’ first student cohort to start in the spring of 2022. Through a partnership with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Apprenticeships for Tech Initiative, AVTEC will serve as a multi-employer sponsor serving employers and apprentices under a United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

The 7th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) will take place November 15 - 21, 2021. NAW is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities. NAW is an opportunity to highlight how Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, provides a critical talent pipeline that can help to address some of our nation’s pressing workforce challenges such as responding to critical supply chain demands and supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, addressing public health issues, and rebuilding our country’s infrastructure.

For more information: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week

Workforce Development Professionals Month was created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) to raise awareness about the importance of the industry to a growing national economy. The U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution naming September 2021 Workforce Development Month. Read the full resolution here.

AVTEC has played a vital role in the workforce development landscape in Alaska for over 50 years.  Started in 1969 as the Alaska Skills Center, this unique workforce training school was responding to the discovery of oil in Alaska and started training Alaskans for work on the slope.  Over the years AVTEC training programming has adapted to meet the workforce needs, working closely with employers, AVTEC trains Alaskans with the knowledge, skills and abilities to be top employees.  

Throughout the pandemic, AVTEC has been the recipient of CARES funds from the Federal distribution process.  The funds were used to assist with the economic hardship the pandemic placed on students and the institution.  Information about the amounts and how the funds were uses can be found on this website above.  

Let's celebrate! In spite of the challenges of this past year, students at AVTEC were tenacious and finished their training on the path to employment and are completing their year with our annual graduation celebrations!  Because of COVID, we are doing them in person (by invitation only) and virtually at the links listed below.  

The date of graduation for all programs will be Tuesday, May 18, 2021 and they will be staggered start times according to the following schedule: 

After a successful fall training term with few incidents of COVID related illness, quarantines, and isolation we are ready to welcome students for the spring start and restart on January 11.  To keep our good record intact we have put into place strict protocols including a negative COVID test results prior to attending training and another negative COVID test two weeks in on January 19 to continue training.  In addition, students (and staff) must wear face masks when they are not in class or in their residence, wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when they are unable to wash, and stay in their dorm room or apartment if they are ill and reach out  to AVTEC staff for assistance. This short video explains the processes and protocols for a healthy and safe start to the new training term:January 2021 Opening Process 

As many of you  know, Governor Dunleavy triggered the emergency notification system and has issued an additional emergency declaration.  You can listen to it here: 

As long as COVID-19 remains present in our community and state, we must remain strong and committed to making wise choices.  At this time nearly all AVTEC staff and students are well due to healthy habits, and to stay that way will require continued vigilance on all our parts.  

Remember when socializing or recreating with anyone who is not in your household or you small training program and social bubble, both indoors and outdoors, be thoughtful and deliberate about the choices you make and help keep AVTEC strong by following these simple guidelines:

Because the AVTEC community has taken care of each other and themselves - as of October 22 there are NO active COVID cases on campus!! Excellent work by all in following health guidelines to wear their masks, wash their hands and stay 6 feet away from each other!! Be safe this weekend...

Student Service Center Auditorium:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050544A9A92EA75-avtec1