Soon, many of these jobs will be replaced with machines. I want to make sure those workers are not left behind. We must provide the opportunities to learn new skills and pivot to a new career.
What excites you about the year ahead?
Microsoft TechSpark and the Apple STEM Network recruited Computing for All, a Seattle-based nonprofit, to North Central Washington to support the development of a data center technician prep pathway for high school students. The group submitted a successful application for Career Connect Washington Intermediary funding last fall, and development has begun on a program that will provide a much-needed labor pipeline to our local area data centers.
Due to the increasing need for cybersecurity talent, Microsoft recently announced its support for the development and growth of cybersecurity programs at community colleges to build a cybersecurity workforce. Locally, we partnered with Big Bend Community College to develop one of those cybersecurity programs, which will launch this fall.
What has been one of your favorite moments as a TechSpark manager?
Juan Servin’s story warms my heart because I have many folks in my region who come from similar backgrounds. Juan is one of the people who has taken advantage of some of the resources we’ve brought to the area.
Upskilling has been a big push for TechSpark, and we funded NCW Tech Alliance to help us with this work. We pushed out an upskill competition, and Juan and his daughter won it by completing 148 certificates on LinkedIn Learning in a month, further increasing their skillset.
Juan has made a practice of continually bettering himself, and that learning has taken him from working in the onion fields to recently graduating from Big Bend Community College with his associate degree in systems administration. He recently started his own IT business and drone work and is taking classes toward his four-year degree.
Juan is always telling me there are opportunities everywhere and that you just have to look for them. He says, “The only thing that you need to learn is how to be a ‘learning person’ because learning is open for anyone who wants to apply themselves and to achieve more.” Advice we can all use.
When you’re not on your laptop, what are you doing?
I live in the middle of a 400-acre apple and cherry orchard, so there is always something that could use an extra hand. You can find me in meetings for the five boards I serve on (Grant County Industrial Alliance, North Central Regional Library Board, Grant County Economic Development Board, Sunserra Board of Directors, and the NCW Tech Alliance Advisory Board) and volunteering in my community of 8,000 people. When those things aren’t keeping me busy, you will see me spending time with my 1-year-old granddaughter!
