Expo highlights National Career and Technical Education Month

Submitted by Michelle Renfrew
Phone: (907) 455-2833
02/02/07

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Valley Campus, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and Alaska Department of Labor will hold the second-annual Career Tech Expo, Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the James T. Hutchison Institute of Technology. The expo is an annual event designed to highlight February as National Career and Technical Education Month and showcase the numerous educational and career opportunities available in technical-related fields.

"Last year we had over 400 middle and high school students and their parents come to (the) expo to speak with employers and industry representatives from around the state about potential career paths, as well as visit with faculty, tour shops and classrooms, and participate in a variety of hands-on activities"?, said Rick Caulfield, TVC director.

The theme of this years month-long celebration, "Today an Education: Tomorrow a Career,"? emphasizes the role vocational-technical education and business and industry partners play in helping youths and adults achieve career success.

According to Caulfield, many of the fastest-growing occupations in Alaska require the technical skills taught in career-tech education programs to include certificates and associate degrees and on-the-job training.

The event is open to all middle and high school students and their parents in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and will feature a variety of hands-on activities and door prizes, including iPods and movie tickets.