Author: UA Workforce Development

Fisheries Scholarship Available

Fisheries programs across the University of Alaska system collaborate to provide a workforce for federal and state organizations, public and private non-profit salmon and shellfish hatcheries, and strive to help maintain the health of Alaska’s waters and aquatic resources. In support of this mission, faculty from fisheries programs across UA make scholarship funding available to students entering or enrolled in a fisheries or fisheries-related program. The number of awards given and amounts vary, but typically range from $500 to $2,000.

To be eligible, students must apply and be admitted to a fisheries or fisheries-related program through the University of Alaska.

For more information about the scholarship and application, follow this link.

Source: UA Office of Workforce Development.

Students go underground to find rock-steady jobs

Attendees at the MAPTS graduation ceremony on Nov. 21, 2022, ride in vehicles through the tunnels of the underground mine training center. UAF photo by Eric Engman.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Mining and Petroleum Training Service (MAPTS) has conducted resource industry training and worker certification for 40 years. In addition to hard skills for underground and surface mine operations, MAPTS provides customized training for a variety of employers, agencies and industry partners. Graduates of the MAPTS program move into jobs at Alaska’s major mines, including Kinross in the Interior, Hecla Greens Creek Mine on Admiralty Island, and Coeur Alaska Kensington in the Southeast.

We know that this program changes lives.

William Bieber, MAPTS Executive Director

Over 400 miners have graduated from MAPTS’ underground mining program in the past decade. Many of whom went straight to work in one of Alaska’s Major mines, joining an industry with about 5,400 mining jobs.

Julie Stricker of UAF’s Cooperative Extension Service shares the story of MAPTS’ contributions to the state’s mining industry, the program’s impact on future miners, and new mining opportunities MAPTS can help seize.

Read the full story here.

Source: Julie Stricker, Public Information Officer, UAF Cooperative Extension Service

Alaska Economic Trends (April 2023)

Above: Glacier Bay cruise, photo by Flickr user Ronald Woan, license

Has Tourism Bounced Back? The feature story of the Alaska Economic Trends April edition explores the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Alaska’s cruise ship industry. In 2019, Alaska welcomed 1.3 million cruise ship visitors, and anticipated further growth for the coming year, but the global pandemic brought these plans to a halt — Alaska received no ships in 2020. Juneau economist, Karinne Wiebold, examines the vital role of the cruise industry to the state’s economy and local communities, and provides an optimistic outlook as the industry repairs.

This edition also provides Alaska’s wage growth trends and an analysis of our economy. Read the full edition here.

Trends is a nonpartisan, data-driven magazine that covers a variety of economic topics in Alaska.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research & Analysis

UA Helps “Build Alaska”

Opportunities for employment in the construction industry have never been better. Today, 1 in 20 jobs in Alaska are in construction, and this number will grow by 10% every year for the next 10 years. There will be many jobs to fill, and the University of Alaska is preparing students for successful careers in construction.

I tell anyone who comes and talks to me about a career path in construction, that if they have a passion for creating, for helping, for building the economy, building opportunity — this is a place for them. I think that the university is such a valuable partner.

Meg Nordale, President, GHEMM Company

The construction industry is important to communities all over the state. People can find a job, remain in their hometown, and enjoy the economic security that comes with a sustainable career, and UA is a pipeline for anyone interested in helping build Alaska.

Want to learn more about UA’s construction programs? Explore the links below and see what each university has to offer:

University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Fairbanks

University of Alaska Southeast

Having trouble viewing the video? Watch directly on YouTube.

Source: University of Alaska, System Office of Public Affairs, Empower Alaska campaign.