UAF'S TANANA VALLEY CAMPUS OPENS DOORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 1995
Fairbanks, Alaska - The University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Valley Campus (TVC), the Interior's vocational-technical, academic and student support program located on Second Avenue in downtown Fairbanks and at Hutchison Career Center on Geist Road, is refocusing its mission and redefining its service to the public in response to today's changing job market.
Across the country, an increasing number of jobs will require postsecondary technical education. Alaska is no exception, says TVC director Ruth Lister.
"In addition to career and technical skills, students need math, communications and problem solving skills if they want to be a part of a 21st century workforce," Lister said.
Lister says 80 percent of recent TVC graduates from vocational technical programs are earning more than $10 an hour. She also cites a 1994 statewide labor department study which documents significant increases in earnings for university vocational education graduates, with women and minority students having the largest percentage gain.
UAF's course offerings through TVC are in direct response to employer and student needs, says Lister. "We want businesses to know that the courses we provide benefit not just students. Employers gain trained staff and create a workforce with upgraded skills. The training we provide can save employer's money in the short- and long-term," she said.
-more-
Rhonda Curwen, owner of Wendy's Restaurants in Fairbanks, says a course offered by UAF's TVC program helped her business save $3,200 in its staff development budget by providing a federally mandated sanitation class locally.
"If they didn't provide that training, we would have had to fly to Seattle to attend the class," Curwen said.
TVC offers a variety of job training programs and courses, from business accounting and computer applications to health technology and engine repair. TVC is also helping to develop a growing list of school-to-work programs and tech-prep programs in concert with interior Alaska school districts which meet local need and support local economies.
Wayne Allison, a 1993 graduate of the diesel and heavy equipment repair program, came to TVC with little knowledge of the industry he wants to work in.
"TVC and UAF are helping me gain the skills I need to get a job," said Allison, who is now enrolled in a four-year bachelor's of technology degree program. His ultimate goal is to be a fleet maintenance director.
Last year Damian Thomas graduated from Lathrop High School and entered the culinary arts program at TVC. "I see it as the first step to my getting into the Culinary Institute of America," said Thomas, who wants to be a world-class chef some day. And Zena Kasak, a mother returning to school, also says TVC offers opportunities to gain new skills, one step at a time.
"I began by being a part-time student taking classes to upgrade my computer skills. Now I'm a full-time student pursuing an applied business degree, Kasak said.
TVC will open its doors to the public two days next week to highlight programs at the Downtown Center, 510 Second Ave. and at the Hutchison
Career Center, 3750 Geist Road. The open houses will feature demonstrations and "mini-learning" sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3 - 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 18 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
-more-
Fairbanks area mayors will recognize TVC's contributions to the Interior by signing a document proclaiming Nov. 13 - Nov. 18 as "TVC Week in Fairbanks."
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, TVC programs will be highlighted at the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce general membership luncheon.
-30-
Note to Editors: Here are some story ideas to consider as part of TVC Week:
- Tech-prep and school-to-work programs
- Job training for high school students who aren't on a college-prep track
- Non-traditional jobs: Women can repair heavy equipment engines and men do make good child care workers.
CONTACT: Tanana Valley Campus Director Ruth Lister (907) 451-7223, Wendy's Restaurant Owner Rhonda Curwen (907) 456-1997, TVC Students Wayne Allison,(907) 455-4526, Damian Thomas (907) 457-7467, or Zena Kasak, (907) 451-8334.
DPD/11-10-95/96-29