After training next-generation mechanical and technical professionals for more than 50 years, WyoTech is launching its first alumni association to connect more than 64,000 graduates with ongoing career development opportunities, community involvement, volunteer engagement, mentorship programs and philanthropy. WyoTech also aims to help the U.S. automotive, diesel, collision/refinishing, motorcycle and marine technology industries clear the backlog of unfilled jobs — while creating a pipeline of future applicants — by connecting employers and hiring managers with highly skilled technicians and facilitating easy networking among alumni from its three campuses.
“Technical education is the answer to America’s widening skills gap and glut of unfilled positions,” said John Hurd, AVP Strategic Relations for WyoTech. “Through our new alumni association, we want to send the message that WyoTech graduates are uniquely qualified to enter some of the most in-demand careers of the 21st century. At WyoTech, they learned what it takes to become a highly sought-after technician from master instructors. But their training doesn’t stop there. We’re dedicated to providing alumni with lifelong career development and a meaningful place to connect with others driven by their passion and ready to start or advance their careers.”
WyoTech will commence alumni association activities in January 2018. In advance, alumni attending the 2017 SEMA Show can gain a sneak peek of opportunities during a Nov. 1 networking event and supercar driving experience at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas. The networking event is open to all WyoTech alumni to attend for free, and graduates can stop by the WyoTech booth before 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 to enter a drawing to win one of 20 racing spots.
While visiting WyoTech’s booth, alumni and other show attendees also can get up-close looks at custom-built 1940 and 1956 Ford trucks, fabricated by alumni Bryan Fuller and Mikey Brown, respectively. Also in advance of the January 2018 start date for the alumni association, WyoTech is seeking nominations for the inaugural board of directors. Ideal candidates are graduates of WyoTech, leaders in their profession, committed volunteers, members of workforce boards or industry associations, and individuals who are passionate about the value of a WyoTech education.
As just one example of how WyoTech is committed to strengthening its alumni community, the alumni association board of directors will be on the front lines, representing their peers and professions to the industry and soliciting insight from companies that have hired graduates. The alumni association will provide invaluable trend data and realworld perspectives to help WyoTech tailor programs to best prepare students for long-term career success — supplementing the work WyoTech’s career advisors do.
Nominations will be accepted through the end of the year and can be sent to Kristin Schneider, WyoTech AVP of Alumni Engagement: [email protected].WyoTech to Launch Virtual Alumni Community
In tandem with in-person opportunities to connect, the alumni association also will maintain a vibrant online
community at wyotech.edu/alumni. Here, alumni will have access to a continually updated news feed populated with features about graduates working in the field, job postings, career resources, mentor recommendations, event announcements, campus updates and more. Most importantly, the site will act as a virtual networking forum where alumni can expand their WyoTech connections and support one another in professional growth.
WyoTech intends the burgeoning alumni association and its online channel to supplement its spectrum of postgraduate career services program. Dedicated career services teams at each campus guide current students and alumni to reach their professional goals, providing assistance in developing and distributing resumes, alerting qualified candidates about job listings that match their skills and goals, and organizing career fairs — often where alumni working at top companies return to recruit the next wave of highly skilled technicians. Beyond these services, WyoTech is committed to educating students for life; alumni can attend refresher classes on campus to keep their skills sharp.
About WyoTech
WyoTech was founded more than 50 years ago in Laramie, Wyoming, and has since become one of the premier providers of technical training in the United States. WyoTech offers training for mechanical and technical occupations in automotive, diesel, collision/refinishing, motorcycle and marine technology. WyoTech has campuses in Blairsville, Pennsylvania; Laramie, Wyoming; and Daytona Beach, Florida. For more information, visit www.WyoTech.edu.
