For more information on the homeland security program:
o http://ccskillscenter.com
o 360-604-1050.
With increased security measures affecting airline passengers, computer users and many facets of daily life, the demand for trained security personnel is growing.
In response to that need, the Clark County Skills Center is hiring a homeland security instructor for its new homeland security program opening in the fall for high school juniors and seniors.
The program is “meant to give a broad perspective in homeland preparedness,” said Kari Duffy, director of the Skills Center. “I think it’s a good across-the-board course.”
The Skill Center’s one-year homeland security program looks at preparedness from a safety perspective. That includes not just airport security, but also food safety, cybersecurity and more, Duffy said. Students will learn about careers with the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency and other employers.
Concordia University in Portland already offers a bachelor of science degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness. In developing the Skills Center’s program, Duffy and other staff have worked closely with Scott Winegar, director of Concordia’s program.
Winegar sits on the Skills Center’s homeland security program advisory board and will participate in the interviews for the instructor.
Skills Center students will earn Incident Command Systems industry certification through FEMA. They also will be certified in first aid and CPR. Other certifications may be added as the program grows, Duffy said.
The program has space for 50 students. Many already have enrolled in the program for the fall, but a few slots are available.
To house the Homeland Security program and a new aviation technology program also opening in the fall, the Skills Center is building two new buildings on the campus. The buildings will be completed by July 1, in time for the 2014-15 school year.
The additional space also will allow the school’s cosmetology program to return to campus.
Meanwhile, the jobs are waiting. The Transportation Security Administration is hiring more part-time airport screening officers at Portland International Airport. The minimum educational requirement for an airport screener is a high school diploma or GED. The starting wage is $14.86 per hour, plus benefits.
Questions about working for TSA can be directed to TSAOregonHiring@tsa.dhs.gov. Additional information about the TSA and officer responsibilities is at http://www.tsa.gov.
