CWI News – Oct. 28, 2022
Spotlight
How fab-BOO-lous! It was great turnout at College of Western Idaho's 2022 Trunk-or-Treat, put on by the Student Engagement team and the Associated Students at the College of Western Idaho.
Many different clubs, programs, students, employees, and their families came out to Nampa Campus Academic Building to take part in all of the fun Thursday evening! Happy Halloween!
News Highlights
CWI Named Official Education Partner for Idaho Steelheads
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Idaho Steelheads as the official education partner during the team’s 25th season.
“This is a wonderful partnership for CWI to raise awareness across the Treasure Valley to the opportunities available at College of Western Idaho,” said President Gordon Jones. “The Steelheads are a fantastic team with a winning spirit, and like CWI they are focused on developing human potential. We are proud to partner with the team to provide players and the entire community with affordable high-quality education that leads to empowerment.”
The College will host four CWI Nights at the Steelheads throughout the season to raise awareness of the more than 90 academic programs and career training opportunities. Through logo visibility on team jerseys, on-ice dasher boards, and video messaging CWI will be able to share the opportunity for education to a wide Treasure Valley fan base.
As the official education partner for the Idaho Steelheads, CWI will provide scholarship assistance to players who want to gain a competitive edge in the classroom as well as the ice!
The Steelheads kick off their season on Friday, Oct. 28 vs. the Utah Grizzles. Students will receive a special season discount for tickets.
Collision Repair Technology Teaching and Placing Autobody Repair Technicians of Tomorrow
There is no such thing as a typical day when it comes to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Collision Repair Technology program.
“No two things are ever the same,” said Associate Professor, Sean McConnachie. “Autobody repair technicians can’t ever get complacent because they constantly dealing with different types of cars and wrecks.”
It is something McConnachie and Instructor, Torry McDowell, know firsthand. Combined they bring more than 50 years of experience working in the autobody repair industry to CWI.
“If you look out at our floor today, we have a Bentley, BMW, Chevy truck, a Honda, and more,” McConnachie said. “You just never know what you’re going to get. Every day is something new, and that is what attracts a lot of people to this career.”
The pair, along with Shop Assistant, Marty Hammett, work together to pass their knowledge to CWI Collision Repair Technology students.
They teach the art and science of painting and restoring cars and the understanding of new products and technology to perform high-quality work. This program starts with the basics and quickly moves into total collision repair — from assessing damage to complete reconditioning.
“You get to the point in your career where you want to share your experience with others,” said McDowell. “It is exciting watching students’ progress and perform skills confidently.”
Training students to become autobody repair technicians and begin working in local shops is a big need right now. According to a study performed by CCC Intelligent Solutions, they predict 100,000 auto technician job openings over the next 10 years due to “a wave of retiring baby boomers.”
“Across the nation, technicians are aging out of the industry,” said McConnachie. “It really is an employees’ market right now. If you're a skilled technician, you’ll never have trouble finding a job in this industry.”
Fine tuning his techniques and skills at CWI is what second-year Collision Repair Technology student, Nolan Czapiewski, hopes to accomplish so he can fulfill one of those open positions.
“The equipment we have in the autobody shop is top of the line,” said Czapiewski. “It is incredible what we have to work with. From lifts to paint booths, even well-established autobody shops don’t always have those. You can only work with the tools you know, and to have such quality materials throughout our education sets us up for success.”
Czapiewski is also thankful for the connections his instructors bring. He feels confident that once he graduates from the program, McConnachie and McDowell will use their relationships with autobody repair shops to help him start his career.
“I am open to any opportunity,” Czapiewski said. “Our instructors know everybody in the Treasure Valley and beyond. Odds are if you’re willing to work for it, they’ll get you somewhere.”
McConnachie and McDowell work with more than 40 autobody repair shops around the Treasure Valley on a regular basis.
“It is one of the things I pride myself on,” McConnachie said. “While I can’t guarantee you a job, I am going to work hard and go out of my way to help you on your job search. We have partners beyond Idaho. I have a wide reach, like in Montana, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, and California. I will find you somewhere you’ll fit in.”
Collision Repair Technology is one of several programs’ students, future students, and members of the public have an opportunity to learn more about at CWI’s Program Exploration events. Those interested are invited to meet the program’s faculty and industry leaders, understand more about career, tour the autobody lab and classrooms, and get tips on how to prepare for a successful start.
For those interested or have questions, contact CWI Assistant Dean of Industry, Engineering, and Trades, Alex Beal at 208.562.2413 or alexbeal@cwi.edu.
2022 Fall Health Professions Open House
College of Western Idaho (CWI) invites those interested in or thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare to attend the 2022 Health Professions Open House Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Come explore the opportunities available at the College through a wide variety of programs. Instructors, students, and advisors will be on-hand to talk with attendees and help answer program and career questions.
Featured programs:
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Administrative Support
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Surgical Technology
- Accelerated Medical Assistants – Coming Fall 2023
The Idaho Department of Labor predicts Idaho's healthcare and social assistance industry to grow by 2.1% each year between 2016 and 2026. Projections are for more than 21,000 new healthcare jobs in Idaho in the same period.
"With the healthcare and social assistance industry world continuing to grow, our CWI programs can help prepare those interested in these careers and fill the demanding needs," said Department Chair of Health Professions, Dr. Sabina Omair. "We have incredible faculty and staff with resources and connections around the Treasure Valley who can help students become employed soon after they graduate."
Students who complete a degree program at CWI will earn an Associate of Applied Science, from a regionally accredited institution. CWI’s accreditation makes it possible for students to transfer credits to four-year institutions, where they can be applied towards a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (see a transfer advisor at your desired institution for complete details). Certificates are also available for each of the degree programs.
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Sabina Omair at sabinaomair@cwi.edu.
Employee Halloween Contest 2022
Something is brewing! It is time to showcase your creative costuming and other talents by participating in College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Culture and Employee Engagement Committee's (CEEC) annual Halloween Costume Contest.
• Best Individual Costume
• Best Group Theme Costumes
2022 Halloween Costume Contest
Upcoming Job and Career Fairs at CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is providing opportunities over the next month for students to make connections which could lead to employment and internships.
The College is hosting several career fairs in November that invites students to meet face-to-face with potential employers and network. This is also a great exercise for students to practice their interview skills and discover what employers are looking for in an employee.
Participating employers are looking for various positions to be filled in careers such as, secretaries, administrative assistants, and more!
Administrative Specialist Job Fair
Employers:
- Onsemi
- St. Alphonsus Health System
- Sparklight
- Pre-Com
- Cordova Outdoors
- Johnson Thermal
- US Ecology
- Tadem Diabetes Care
- FedEx
- Regence
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Center for New Student Affairs Coordinator, Roberto Trinidad, at robertotrinidad@cwi.edu or 208.562.2150. Those interested in learning more are also welcome to visit Work-Based Learning Center's page.
McComas Named Staff of the Month for August 2022
Congratulations to Student Success Advisor, Connor McComas, for being named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for August 2022!
McComas, who has been part of the College for seven years, is an advisor for the Biology and Health Science programs. However, he has held several positions throughout his CWI journey.
He got his start at CWI as a One Stop Representative at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) One Stop, and later transitioned into a Learning Community Coordinator for Career and Technical Education’s (CTE) Business and Information Technology programs at the Ada County Campus Pintail Building (APIN).
“I have always enjoyed working with people and thought higher education would be an interesting challenge,” McComas said.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, McComas uses his education and own life experience to employ a holistic and person-centered approach to his advising.
“I want to normalize the academic and mental health struggles a student can experience in college,” McComas said. “I recognize that the demands in a student's personal life impact their academics and I work with them to identify what strategies and resources they can use to succeed."
Director of Student and Advising, Erica Compton, is one of the many employees on campus who notice McComas’ efforts to help students however and whenever he can.
One instance Compton recounted of McComas’ caring attitude towards students happened on the last day of Fall semester registration. She explained a student walked into NMEC visibly upset, after drop-in appointments were closed, looking for help registering for the fall semester.
“We were all tired after the long stretch into the fall semester start,” Compton said. “Connor, in his helpful and cheerful voice, welcomed the student and asked how he could help with no mention of 'Sorry it's too late’ or ‘We're closed.’
Compton explained McComas took control of the situation, answered the student’s questions with a can-do attitude, and walked them through the steps of obtaining their goals at CWI.
“Connor took the time to care for this student, regardless of it being past his 40 hours, or how extremely tired he was by that time of the week,” Compton said. “He provided excellent customer service and helped a student feel welcomed and valued when they needed it most.”
In addition to his role as a Student Success Advisor, McComas is also the club advisor for CWI's student Queers & Allies Club.
"I count this role as one of the highlights of my career. I've had the privilege of participating with the club members as they build community and spread the messages of tolerance and acceptance on campus."
McComas grew up in Southern Idaho as the middle child of three brothers. He has made Boise his home for the past 11 years where he lives with his shih tzu, Broghan.
Outside of the College, McComas can be found enjoying downtown Boise, trying new foods, and visiting friends in other cities
Idaho Archeological Society Annual Conference Hosted at CWI Sees Great Turnout
Seventy students, professors, and industry professionals from around the Gem State were at College of Western Idaho (CWI) this past weekend for the 48th Annual Idaho Archeological Society (IAS) Conference.
Led by Associate Professor of Anthropology, Nikki Gorrell, the College’s Anthropology program and Anthropology Club hosted folks from different universities including Boise State University, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University. The state-wide conference highlighted the importance of CWI with the institution’s transfer partners across the state. Professors, graduate, and undergraduate students, as well as industry professionals in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) presented 18 different papers with original archeological research.
While the conference hosted industry leaders and professors, it also drew CWI students to attend and learn more about the history and archeology of the state they live in.
“I really enjoyed seeing all the research people are doing at the different universities here in Idaho,” said Biological Anthropology (ANTH 104) student and Anthropology major, Thomas. “I’m not sure yet whether I want to go to graduate school and do that kind of research myself, but now I have a much better idea of what that would be like. Either way, I got good impressions of all three major Idaho universities from this conference, so I feel good about transferring to any of them in the future, even if it’s just for my bachelor’s degree”.
“It was an honor to host the 48th annual IAS Conference and welcome our colleagues and professionals from around the state,” said Gorrell. “What a rewarding experience for our CWI students to have this opportunity to hear about the latest archeological research, get to meet and network with our transfer partners, and consider what a career in archeology could look like for them.”
For those with questions or in need of more information about CWI’s Anthropology program and Anthropology Club, contact Nikki Gorrell at nikkigorrell@cwi.edu.
