They conducted laboratory work in a water treatment plant. They learned about the special emergency equipment used by paramedics and firefighters. They toured a truss construction plant and learned what it takes to become quality employees. They gathered information on how electricity-producing generators worked. They sat in on an accounting class held at the local college.

Students from Alaska Job Corps Center’s nine trades (Accounting Services, Building Construction Technology, Carpentry, Certified Nurse Assistant, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Office Administration, Security and Protective Services and Water/Wastewater Treatment) visited multiple organizations in the last several weeks as part of Job Corps’ national initiative to get students out into the workplace to gain on-the-job knowledge. The initiative, called the Groundhog Job Shadow program, was honored by Alaska Job Corps students from Jan. 19 through Feb. 8.

When Carpentry and Building Construction Technology students visited the Spenard Builders Supply Truss Plant in Eklutna, they learned all about the technical details of building trusses and working in the construction business. Employees at the plant taught students about using CAD to develop specific projects on the computer, as well as what is required by the company to become skilled and highly sought-after employees.

“I really enjoyed getting to see the ins-and-outs of actual production in the construction industry,” said Malcolm Lumba, a Carpentry student who is pursuing advanced training in his field. “I haven’t had the chance to see that first-hand before.”

Another example of on-site training received by Alaska Job Corps Center students included attending a presentation about becoming a paramedic or firefighter at Mat-Su Emergency Services’ Station 61 in Wasilla. They heard about the career journeys and professional development stories from paramedics at the station and gained field knowledge of emergency equipment on fire trucks and ambulances. The Security and Protective Services students visiting Station 61 were attentive and observant as they learned how to become emergency personnel themselves.

Students in the Water/Wastewater Treatment trade at Alaska Job Corps toured the City of Palmer Water Treatment Plant and gained firsthand knowledge of the treatment process. Students practiced work in the lab and learned about the entire process of water treatment. A recent Alaska Job Corps alumnus provided the tour of the plant, and a student currently at the plant in Alaska Job Corps’ Work-Based Learning program assisted and provided further information about what it is like to work at a treatment plant.

According to Water/Wastewater Treatment student Kainalu Kupihea, the best part of the visit to the Palmer treatment plant was the opportunity to get to do actual laboratory tests that would be completed while on-the-job.

“It was great to see what every day work would be like at the plant,” said Kupihea.

Culinary Arts students visited Sysco Alaska and Di’Tomaso’s in Anchorage, where they toured facilities, learned about jobs in food storage and delivery, and listened to managers explain the importance of developing their professional, soft skills. Accounting and Office Administration students gained direct knowledge of the college experience with an in-depth tour of Mat-Su College, including interactive visits to classrooms in different subjects. Electrical students went to the Matanuska Electric Association Eklutna power plant, where they learned the technical aspects of how a power plant functions. With a visit to the Pioneer Home in Palmer, the Certified Nurse Assistant class saw the basics of how a long-term care facility works.

“These kinds of learning experiences are vital to the well-rounded education we provide to our students,” said Malyn Smith, Alaska Job Corps Center Director. “By visiting, interacting and working with our employer partners at actual job sites, our students not only gain hands-on knowledge in their chosen profession, but they learn how they can apply their skills to become excellent employees.”

The Alaska Job Corps Center is a federally funded career training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and managed by Chugach Educational Services, Inc. The Center is committed to providing the highest quality programs for young adults by offering instructions in academics, trades and life skills through innovative methods that respond to the unique individual and group needs of today’s youth.

Story and photos by BCL Carin Meyer.