Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon
During their annual luncheon, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) released a three-year outlook report, amplifying the need to address Alaska’s workforce shortage.
Anchorage and Alaska are witnessing a weird combination of big economic opportunities that are mostly a sure thing, combined with economic threats that could lead to decades of stagnation and decline.
Bill Popp, AEDC President
Perhaps the greatest among economic threats is the declining numbers of working age adults. Between 2013 and now, Alaska’s workforce declined by 5.4% — placing Alaska in the top three states with the largest labor declines nationally. In Anchorage only, it’s anticipated the city will lose 10% of working age adults, a loss of 21,500 workers between 2013 and 2027. Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) estimates bring hope for the near future and project modest population inclines statewide through 2030, inherently easing workforce shortages.
The University of Alaska (UA) aims to address the state’s workforce needs by offering postsecondary opportunities in high-demand fields needed for Alaska’s economic growth. With over 200 programs in workforce development, UA is committed to training Alaskans for careers in Alaska jobs. In tandem with state agencies and industry partners, UA prioritizes being part of the state’s economic solutions.
Read more about the AEDC three-year outlook report and annual luncheon here.
Source: Yereth Rosen, Alaska Beacon.
UA Workforce Development News 