Avtec, Kenai Peninsula College Will Partner On Vocational Training For Electric System Technicians

Nov. 01, 2004
No. 05-29

KENAI – The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Kenai Peninsula College have implemented a joint vocational training program to prepare technicians to work with complex electrical instruments and systems used in oil and gas extraction and other heavy industries.

The joint venture formalizes a training partnership between KPC, a community campus of the University of Alaska, and the Alaska Vocational Technical Center in the labor department.

“These careers demand a high degree of technical expertise and training,” said Labor Commissioner Greg O’Claray. “Opportunities for qualified workers are strong and we are training skilled technicians right here in Alaska.”

AVTEC Director Fred Esposito said the partnership with KPC is a reciprocating agreement. Graduates of both programs have an opportunity to receive dual credit leading to higher certification levels in instrumentation and electrical control programs.

AVTEC Industrial Electrical program graduates can receive up to 26 credits towards an associate degree in Industrial Process Instrumentation at KPC.

KPC Director Gary J. Turner said, “This agreement is a step in the right direction as we determine the workforce development needs of the Kenai Peninsula and the state. Our institutions have complementary strengths.”

Esposito said resource processing industries in the state increasingly need additional multi-skilled technicians to deal with new and more advanced technologies. “We expect the program to be very successful.”

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News Media Contacts:
Fred Esposito, AVTEC Director, 907.224.4159 or
Joe Holbert, Special Assistant/Communications, 907-465-5673

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