“It’s so great to finally get back into that classroom atmosphere with an instructor teaching me something that I want to learn and actually apply it to the position that I’m at” – Irving Ashenfelter, Resident of Natchiġvik (White Mountain)
Irving is a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus, where he is working on his Facility Maintenance Occupational Endorsement Certificate. The training so far has consisted of a series of classes (construction, doors and windows installation, technology core, interior repairs) over 10 days. Irving hadn’t been in the classroom environment for quite some time, so at first the thought of attending classes was a bit intimidating. He said the hands-on repetition, exposure to an instructor and classroom environment, “gave me the comfort and the drive me to say I can do more to do more to further my education in any way possible.” The confidence instilled by the certificate program has now opened considerations for Irving to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management.
For now however, Irving is happy to have received training with the Facility Maintenance Occupational Endorsement Certificate to better do his job in Natchiġvik as the Maintenance Technician at the school. He is able to continue classes this fall to complete the certificate. He didn’t receive formal training for the job in all maintenance areas, so the skills he acquired through the certificate program would help him better diagnose issues at the school and possibly someday earn him a promotion, benefitting both himself and his employer/community.
When we asked Irving what advice he would share with others he said, “from when I graduated and what I’ve seen through the years, much of our region wants to provide any assistance that they can for anybody. Whether you are just graduating from high school or deciding to take your time and take courses…both are very accepted in our region. You can take your time. Whether you are driven right out of high school or if you feel you need to come into your own as an adult and pick and choose when you want to take classes…that’s acceptable and don’t feel down on yourself. You can take a class or two and course by course it will lead to something whether you’re 18 or 40 years old, so keep at it!”
Irving feels inspired by his accomplishments thus far and credits Kawerak for making it possible through their training scholarship program that covers travel, lodging, and meal costs while he was in Nome. He said, “I enjoy being able to continue on (with my education) and am thankful Kawerak can provide the financial assistance to be able to do so.”
Congratulations Irving on your accomplishments and quyaana for what you do for your community! If interested in Kawerak’s Training Scholarship program, call 800-450-4341 and check us out on the web at kawerak.org/training. More classes are coming up this fall if you are interested in pursuing the Facility Maintenance Occupational Endorsement, including Interior Repairs, Flooring Installation, Cabinet and Countertop Installation, Boiler Repair, Appliance Repair, Plumbing Piping and Tools and MORE! If you want to know more about these classes contact Kacey Miller, 443-8416, klmiller@alaska.edu or Katy Tomter, 443-8424, ktomter@alaska.edu.
