business backgrounder | employment & workplace
One example is Airport University, part of the
Port of Seattle. Highline College provides the
instruction and modified courses so the length
and credits fit with the needs of the trade-dependent industries. The credits will transfer back to
Highline so working students at the port can use
their job-related training toward a degree.
The port offers the classes for free to all
employees. One of them, Mesfin Yeshewawerk,
works as a security officer for a cargo company
at the airport as well as a part-time wheelchair
attendant. He is one of the many workers who has
advanced his skills through Airport University.
He has also earned 15 credits that can apply
toward certificates and degrees at Highline.
A native of Ethiopia, Yeshewawerk has lived in
Seattle since 2010. His Airport University classes
Students take notes at an Airport University class, which gives workers at Seattle-Tacoma
focused on computer skills.
International Airport the opportunity to take free classes and earn college credit.
“I used to be scared of the computer,”
Yeshewawerk told portjobs.org. “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!”
Along with working directly with employers
and employees, the center also looks at other
kinds of issues affecting global trade, from
— Jack Bermingham, president of Highline College
piracy on the high seas to the hazards of freak
high waves. They also look at international
finance. What happens when a shipper is stuck with a load of bananas or other perishable goods?
Supply chain management isn’t all about commerce. The purchasing manager for World Vision, a global Christian charity, is
on the board for the center of excellence. World Vision not only ships around the world, they often need to send urgently-needed
supplies into disaster zones.
“It’s amazing how they get things to people in need,” Ryan said.
Photo: Don Wilson for the Port of Seattle
airport university
“You can get a two-year degree and get a good-paying job
with a clear pathway for advancement, and some would
say is an exciting job in global trade. But if you don’t know
about it coming out of school, how does that help?”
international perspective
Center of Excellence for Global Trade
& Supply Chain Management:
www.coeglobaltrade.com
Port Jobs:
www.portjobs.org
Washington Export Resource Center:
www.waexports.com
Washington’s Centers of Excellence:
www.coewa.com
44 association of washington business
Many of those who are trained through the center of excellence’s programs are from
China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan and other international trading partners. They come
from abroad and go back home with new skills and ideas about economic development
from an American business perspective.
Ryan sees her job as part of a bigger picture for her students, the businesses with
which she works, and the st ]H\