People talking, equipment buzzing and demonstrations running provided background noise at Academies Career Expo. The sounds created a stimulating atmosphere for almost 3,000 freshmen. We helped recruit workplaces and professionals to interact with the students.

Freshmen checked out eight industry-themed exhibits. At each, they asked questions and engaged in hands-on learning opportunities. They appeared engaged and excited to meet people who work jobs that they’re interested in pursuing. Learn how we support education.

The professionals representing eight industry-themed areas were happy to be there too. These adults felt inspired and look forward to nurturing our upcoming workforce.

Darin McShane, the Senior Information Technology (IT) Project Manager for the Municipality of Anchorage’s IT Department, explained that if someone can build a network at their house and speak the language well enough, they can often secure an entry level job. “Starting out doesn’t usually require a degree,” he said. “But going up in management usually does.”

Darin’s exhibit focused on business and information technology. It included blade servers, which stack together, run applications and do data storage and backup. It also displayed a portable, satellite-activated internet device. Darin said, “It allows us to go into areas where we may not have internet and connect back to our network.” Many students hadn’t seen these items, enjoyed looking at them and asking questions.

A labor and delivery nurse at Providence Alaska Medical Center helped oversee the health and human services exhibit. “I got involved in health care because my auntie was a school nurse,” Dina Banyez said, “and I’d go with her sometimes and liked it.” She emphasized that classes in science, math and language arts are necessary for this career. Assist Academies.

Dina also serves as Providence’s Academies of Anchorage ambassador. “I get students in touch with jobs—all kinds of jobs,” she said. Dina noted that hospitals need more than health care practitioners and reply on accounting, human resources and many other departments.

In the engineering and skilled trades exhibit, hammers banged, attracting attention. “My first job was as a carpenter helper building houses,” said Gabe Shaddy-Farnsworth, representing Alaska’ Carpenters Local 1281. He realized to turn his job into a career he must join a union.

“I had a late start,” Gabe said. “I remember when I walked into class and sat next to this 18-year-old kid who’d just graduated from King Tech.” They finished the program together. “I really wish, when I was in high school, I’d had an opportunity to participate in Academies.”

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