Alaska Vocational Technical Center Launches IT Apprenticeships
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The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward launched the state’s first apprenticeship for technology and network support specialists.
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Through a partnership with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Apprenticeships for Tech Initiative, AVTEC will serve as a multi-employer sponsor for employers and apprentices under the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
“AVTEC is filling a niche for remote training in this high demand occupation,” says the school’s director, Cathy Lecompte, “and because this apprenticeship is competency based and will be available via distance learning, apprentices do not have to leave their home community to participate and employers can have access to a qualified workforce wherever they are conducting business.”
The IT apprenticeship is recruiting its first student cohort to start in the spring of 2022.
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AVTEC, a division of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, is the only statewide post-secondary vocational training center operated by the State of Alaska.
“Information technology is a priority growth industry, with IT jobs spanning all industries including healthcare, education, oil and gas, financial Institutions and government,” says Labor Commissioner Tamika Ledbetter. “With more than 300 current job openings in the IT field, AVTEC aims to train an Alaskan workforce through the successful ‘learn and earn’ apprenticeship model.”
CompTIA is a non-profit trade association which issues professional certifications for the information technology industry and has developed national standards for four high-demand IT occupations: tech project coordinator, tech support specialist, network support specialist, and cybersecurity support technician. The standards provide guidance for employers, academic institutions, and other partners who are preparing individuals for apprenticeships in IT.
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