The Transportation Research Board of the National Academies has just published a report, Aviation Workforce Development Practices, that singles out Port Jobs' Airport University as a model for developing a skilled workforce in the aviation-related sector.

"TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 18: Aviation Workforce Development Practices explores airport operating entity jobs and related skill sets needed to perform those jobs. The report also identifies potential ways to gain training on the skill sets needed to fulfill airport-related jobs and notes gaps where skill sets, and educational and advancement opportunities, may exist."

Airport University is about to launch a new blog aimed at educating Seatac International Airport workers about the programs and services offered by Port Jobs' Airport University.  Airport University works to improve job readiness and career advancement of airport employees.

Watch this space for more coming soon.

Every New Year, many people in the United States make resolutions.  Every January, I pledge to improve my skills as a teacher, get better organized, exercise more, save more, read more, travel more, volunteer, and relax more, etc., etc., etc. 

I am so overwhelmed by February 1^st, I usually give up.   

I have decided that 2011 will be different.  Thanks to the hundreds of job seekers and airport employees I have met through our Airport University programs, I am inspired to stick with my goals in 2011 and beyond.   

Every week, I hear students share similar job, life, and family goals.  Do any of these sound familiar?

I want to improve my computer skills so I can help my supervisor and one day get a promotion.

I don’t know much about computers.  I need to learn to get a better job and go to school.  I need to learn for everyday life here in the U.S.

I want to learn how save more money.  I want to go back to school.  I hope I can buy a house for my family someday. 

We all want to be better employees, learners, family members, and community members.  It is my hope for the coming the year that Airport University can help keep you inspired and motivated to make changes for this year and years to come. 

For more inspiration, click on the links below:   

·         I will get a job/better job!  

·         I will improve my computer skills!   

·         I will improve my English communication skills!  

·         I want a better job so I will learn about ways to pay for school and training.  

·         I will pass the SIDA/AOA Airport Security badge test! 

Tuesday March 20^th was a special day for 28 year-old Mesfin Yeshewawerk, and not just because it was the first day of Spring in Seattle. Mesfin was celebrating his completion of the Airport University computer skills class he took with 19 other logistics and transportation employees who work at Sea-Tac International Airport.

Mesfin was born in Addis Ababa, located in the center of Shewa state of Ethiopia. He moved to Seattle seeking work in 2010, and soon found himself employed at Sea-Tac Airport. To make ends meet, he works two jobs: as an aircraft cabin cleaner and as a wheel chair attendant, giving arriving and departing passengers a cheerful lift around the busy airport.

Mesfin found that the classes offered by Airport University were easy to attend, because they were offered at his workplace and during convenient times.  Airport University, a program of Port Jobs, is a partnership with Highline Community College and South Seattle Community College, and is funded, in part, by the Port of Seattle.  Airport University’s classes are offered at no cost to income-eligible airport employees, and provide students with college credits as well as valuable workplace skills.

This isn’t the first time Mesfin has reached an educational milestone. He first graduated from college in 2006 from the Harer Kombolcha A.T.V.E.T College in Ethiopia where he studied animal sciences.  Mesfin’s Airport University instructor, Mary Turla, says Mesfin is a strong example of the type of highly motivated individuals who attend Airport University to acquire the skills they need to make a better life for themselves and their families.  Turla and Highline Community College instructor Susan Taylor were thrilled to see 20 students earn Business Information Technology credits this quarter.

“Mesfin is well on his way to reaching his goal of improving his computer and English language skills,” says Turla. “I am excited to see Mesfin walk in the Highline Community College’s commencement ceremony for their Business Information Technology certificates  in June.  He will end his Airport University coursework with 15 college credits under his belt – that represents a full quarter of transferable college credit!  There’s no doubt in my mind that our investment in him will produce an asset to his employer and a stronger economic future for his family.”

Mesfin is leaving his future career options open.  “I am learning computer skills for the future ...  I used to be scared of the computer. Before this class, the computer and I are strangers.  First class, we say hi to each other.  After next class, we are cousins.  Now, computer and I are brothers!” 

The next round of Airport University classes begins on April 3, 2012. Turla encourages Sea-Tac Airport employees to drop in during their lunch hour to find out more or call 206-787-7501 to sign up. Students may join classes as late as April 17.