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Department of Labor and Workforce Development
 
Office of the Commissioner

The Alaska Vocational Technical Center Launches It Apprenticeships

Dec. 17, 2021
No. 21-37

JUNEAU, Alaska — 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. 

"Information technology is a priority growth industry with IT jobs spanning all industries including healthcare, education, oil and gas, financial Institutions and government. 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," stated Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Dr. Tamika Ledbetter.

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.  Approved by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), the standards provide guidance for employers, academic institutions, and other partners who are preparing individuals for apprenticeships in IT.

"AVTEC is filling a niche for remote training in this high demand occupation," said Cathy Lecompte, Director at AVTEC, "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."

AVTEC, a division of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, located in Seward, is the only statewide post-secondary vocational training center operated by the State of Alaska. For more information about AVTEC, visit www.avtec.edu.

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