Celebrating career and technical education

by Jess | February 4, 2015

A student listens to presentations during Professor Donn Ketner's capstone construction management class. (Photo by Philip Hall/UAA)

A student listens to presentations during Professor Donn Ketner's capstone construction management class. (Photo by Philip Hall/University of Alaska Anchorage)

This February, the UAA Community & Technical College (CTC) will celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, marking a nationwide celebration of career and technical education (CTE).

CTE programs are integral to Alaska's economy and were endorsed by Governor Bill Walker in a formal proclamation effective Jan. 30, 2015, underscoring the benefits of career and technical education for the state.

This cutting-edge, rigorous and relevant training prepares students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers in Alaska. It's at the core of all academic programs offered by the Community & Technical College, from culinary arts to professional piloting to automotive technology to construction management.

Curious about what career and technical education looks like at UAA? We invite you to peruse a selection of stories that ran last fall in Green & Gold News highlighting CTC's many programs and how they are helping students succeed by providing relevant training that is responsive to the needs of Alaska's industries.

"Creating real-world-relevant education" UAA, the Associated General Contractors of Alaska and other construction organizations have formed a connection that's infusing the industry with fresh expertise-construction managers as skilled with the latest computer technology as they are with levels, drills, saws and hammers.

"Aviation road trip" Like any good road trip, UAA pilot Ash Burrill programmed the GPS, stopped at small town gas stations and found end-of-the-day motels to call it a night. But instead of a road-weary sedan or VW bus, he was flying UAA's newest plane back from Virginia on a five-day cross-continent trek through the clouds.

Kaitlin Woodward works on a circuit project at the Automotive/Diesel Technologies building on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus in Anchorage, Alaska Friday, Oct. 24, 2014. (Photo by Philip Hall/University of Alaska Anchorage)

"Feeling at home under the hood" Want to merge your love for cars with technical and academic expertise? UAA's automotive technology classes help students carve their own career niche

"AMCS helps high school students accelerate into college" Alaska Middle College School is making it possible for high school juniors and seniors to complete graduation requirements, begin amassing credits for college-for free-and potentially earn an associate degree before becoming college freshmen.

"Advanced bakers meet 'Chopped'-style challenge, emerge victorious" When life (or your advanced baking class instructor) hands you Dr. Pepper and goat cheese, make a cheesecake. Chef Vern's advanced baking class crafted delicious pastries from six mystery ingredients in a 'Chopped'-style practical final.

CTC has a series of special features planned for social media that highlight our students and programs. Stay informed of college news through CTC Insider, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.