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Airport University Takes Off
Airport University classes are in session, with two different courses underway.

The Leadership for Leads course started this September and concludes in November. The class presents basic supervision and management theory, tailored to ground service company team "Leads".

Surveys of employers’ specific needs help instructors target class assignments, examples, and role plays for maximum benefit. Students already report they are feeling more comfortable and more "in charge" in their Lead roles due to what they are learning in the class.

Job Seeking Basics (JSB) is a 10-hour course in three parts, designed to help students learn to position themselves to meet Sea-Tac Airport employers' needs and land a job. Students earn college credit from South Seattle Community College upon course completion.

Topics covered in class include: completing a 10-year history; identifying and demonstrating skills on applications; matching skills to minimum qualifications; passing airport security badge tests; understanding what employers are seeking in job applicants; interviewing techniques; and developing personal confidence during the job search process.

The first part of the class is held in a community center, followed by two more sessions at Sea-Tac Airport. The community location is designed to bring job seekers from a particular neighborhood setting together, before they go to the airport, which can sometimes feel daunting and intimidating to a first-time job seeker.

The King County Library System has been the site of several class so far, including Valley View Library (SeaTac), Burien Library, and Fairwood Library (Renton). Classes are also scheduled for Skyway Library (November) and Foster Library in Tukwila (December).

The first JSB class had enrollment of 22 students. Employers provide support for the course by committing to interview all students who successfully complete it. To date, DAL Global, HMS Host and Wendy’s have conducted interviews, and several students have been hired as a result.

At one recent class, one student commented "[The] instructor was wonderful. She let's you know what you need to land a job. Thanks."

The student came away from the class with a job offer in hand.

Fall Job Fair Flies High
On Oct 13, 2005, over 530 people attended the Airport Jobs Fall 2005 Job Fair. Job seekers were able to meet with 18 different airport employers representing ground service, food service, rental cars, airlines, delivery services, and retail. Five colleges and three community-based organizations also had exhibits.

Employers were excited about meeting so many qualified applicants for their seasonal and on-going hiring needs. One commented, "we hired a total of 18 people from the fair!"

Our thanks to:
AirServ, Evergreen Aviation, Fed Ex Home Delivery, Fireworks, Hertz, HMS Host/Anthony's, Hudson Group, Matheson, Menzies, National/Alamo, Port of Seattle, Sea Tac Bar Group, Shuttle Express, Thrifty Car Rental, United Airlines, UPS, and Wendy's for their continued support.

The next job fair is scheduled to be held in April 2006.

About Airport Jobs
Airport Jobs is a complete job listing and employment information center serving over 100 Sea-Tac Airport and related employers. We have the tools to help you handle your company’s recruitment, selection, training and other human resource needs. Most services are free.

Airport Jobs staff are ready to help your organization with current and future recruitment needs. Contact Ruth Westerbeck (phone: 206-835-7506, email: westerbeck.r@portseattle.org) to take advantage of Airport Jobs Employer Services. Learn more by visiting www.airportjobs.org.