Port Jobs

"Airport University gave me the confidence to apply for a new job within my company."

Kathryn Scott has worked at the Sea-Tac Airport since 2008 as a Customer Service Agent for a major airline.  After seeing an Airport University flyer, Kathryn signed up for a Keyboarding and Microsoft Outlook class in summer 2012.  A few weeks into the quarter, Kathryn was inspired to continue taking classes to earn a Business Technology (BTECH) certificate and eventually complete her AA degree.  She has built her computer and Microsoft Office skills, completing a total of six Airport University classes.  Kathryn’s success at Airport University emboldened her to apply for a Flight Attendant position within the airline.  And she was hired! 

Kathryn is currently attending flight attendant training in Atlanta, Georgia and will be based in New York. She says, “The commitment I made at Airport University may seem so small, but it wasn’t. It gave me the confidence to apply for a new job within my company.  The homework and the tasks that I needed to complete at Airport University [including creating and presenting a PowerPoint presentation on customer service] helped prepare me for the interview process. With over 50,000 applicants, I was truly shocked when I was selected to attend Flight Attendant training!  Many people have told me they are proud of me and inspired by me.  Mary, Simon, and Denise [Port Jobs’ Airport University staff] and Susan [Highline Community College instructor] have made such a difference in my life!”

Highline Community College recognizes Port Jobs as an outstanding community partner.

The college honored the agency for its work with two programs —Airport Jobs and Airport University — that help Sea-Tac International Airport employees gain post-secondary skills and credentials at their workplace.

Earlier this year first Airport University students (shown in photo) received Highline Community College’s certificate in business technology and business. Each student earned 15 transferable college credits by attending classes on site at the airport through Airport University.

Highline’s dean for professional-technical education, Alice Madsen, noted that the college and Port Jobs have collaborated closely over recent years to improve educational access for employees at Sea-Tac.

 “Our work with Port Jobs has been a real partnership and a privilege as together we are supporting airport employees entering their career and educational pathways,” Madsen said at the event.

 “This program provides airport employees the opportunity to build their skills, become more valuable employees and enhance their careers. Many of these students are holding down multiple jobs, so offering courses at Sea-Tac airport is an invaluable partnership,” said Heather Worthley, Port Jobs Executive Director.

Highline’s president, Dr. Jack Bermingham, made the announcement at the college’s semi-annual Community Networking Breakfast in November. 

If you already have a job and a place to live, you probably haven’t considered the obstacles that homeless people face when job-seeking. Clean clothes, a decent meal, safe shelter, and adequate rest are critical to making good first impressions. Homeless and discouraged after months of searching for a job, Abdurahman Salim was on the verge of giving up when he went into Airport Jobs, the Sea-Tac offices of Port Jobs.

His luck was about to change. Lisa Croslin, Airport Jobs Customer Service Representative, spotted Salim and listened to his story about Utah foster care, his journey to Seattle, moving from shelter to shelter, and struggling to find work. Lisa and the Airport Jobs team gave Salim the boost he needed to get on track to finding a job. They helped Salim find shelter, hygiene facilities and presentable clothing. They enrolled him in BFET (the Basic Food Employment and Training program). BFET offers job search support, education and skills training, and basic support services to eligible Washington State Basic Food recipients. Salim received bus tickets to help him reach potential jobs, and assistance to complete dozens of job applications.

Six years ago, Salim may not have received so much support. BFET was just getting underway and Port Jobs was one of 5 original community-based organizations ramping up to offer the innovative Washington DSHS pilot program. A key component of BFET has been tuition funding at 19 participating community and technical colleges. Eight additional colleges are expected to participate in FY2013. Other pilot program agencies continuing to offer BFET services include the Seattle Jobs Initiative, Washington Cares, Fare Start, and the YWCA.

‘You’re hired!' After much diligence and persistence, Salim was hired by Flight Services and Systems as a Passenger Service Agent. Airport Jobs staff continued to provide crucial support to ensure he kept this hard-earned opportunity. They helped him prepare for his airport security badge test (SIDA) and enrolled him in Airport University’s SuperHost® Fundamentals class. SuperHost is an industry recognized customer service training credential that earns students transferable college credit.

In addition to working at Sea-Tac, Salim hopes to continue his education at the University of Washington to major in Engineering. His immediate goal is to find permanent, low-income housing near his mosque in Rainier Beach.

Salim is grateful for the caring community of support that greeted him when he walked in the door at Airport Jobs. “The bus tickets made it possible for me to go to Airport Jobs many times and eventually find a job. And I know I can use the real-life customer service skills I learned in SuperHost at any job. Thanks to Lisa, Mergitu and the rest of the people at Airport Jobs who helped me, I’m finally on my way!”