Kawerak works hard to bring training as local as possible for our tribal members, but a huge determination of our success is the partners we have in our region. We are grateful for organizations like Northwest Campus and Northern Industrial Training who offer classes locally, as well as organizations that agree to provide usage of equipment to give residents the hands on training they need. Two organizations we would like to recognize and highlight are NACTEC and Bering Straits Native Corporation and its subsidiaries. These organizations supported several workforce development training opportunities in our region, including the most recent, Intro. to Heavy Equipment Operation (HEO), April 24-28, 2023.
In April eight (8) regional residents spent four days at NACTEC’s state-of-the-art motion-based Heavy Equipment Simulator Center equipped with M-Series Motor Grader, Small Wheel Loader, Large Wheel Loader, Off-Highway Truck, Mining Truck, Articulated Truck, Track Type Tractor (Dozer), Hydraulic Excavator, and Construction Excavator. On the final day, Stampede Ventures, Sound Quarry and Alaska Gold (subsidiaries of BSNC) provided four pieces of equipment for the participants and land access for equipment operation. The trainees would not have received the preparation and behind-the-wheel experience without this support! Not to mention other trainings such as CDL Training in March and Behind-the-Wheel training which required use of the end dump provided by BSNC. Special thanks to coordination and leadership efforts from Shane Smithhisler and Larry Pederson.
Kawerak is dedicated to working with our partners to expand and support regional training opportunities with the goal of developing a skilled workforce in our region. In addition to the current supports we provide – scholarships for tuition, living expenses and work attire, financial assistance for physical exams, certification and fingerprinting – we look to support regional employers and trainees in the future with an Apprenticeship Program to continue building the local workforce. If you have questions about Kawerak’s Employment and Training program, visit us at kawerak.org/training.
Photo: James Isabell, Regional Training Coordination (Kawerak) Johnny Anasogak (Koyuk), Robert Tokeinna (Wales), Kyle Lockwook (Saint Michael), Tairin Ivanoff (Unalakleet), Clay Davidson (NIT Instructor), Paul Bekoalok (Shaktoolik), Carl Seetot, Brevig Mission, Larry Pederson, Edgar Kuzuguk (Shishmaref), Shane Smithhisler and Norman Ongtowasruk (Teller).
