Category: Workforce Development

AEDC Releases Three-Year Outlook Report

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.

UAF CTC Alumna Makes Alaska Proud on MasterChef

Photo courtesy of FoxMedia

Did you know that a UAF CTC alumna is a contestant on season 13 of MasterChef: United Tastes of America?

The newest edition of the University of Alaska Did you know? newsletter features Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hartman, a graduate of the UAF Community and Technical College’s Culinary Arts program, who has been on an incredible journey. Hartman’s culinary skills have led her to an opportunity to represent the western region on the hit series featuring Gordon Ramsey, “MasterChef: United Tastes of America.” 

A local Fairbanksan, Lizzie encourages anyone interested in culinary arts to start their own journey by enrolling in UAF CTC culinary arts and hospitality courses, where students can attain degrees, and even baking/pastry certifications. If you aspire to follow Lizzie’s footsteps, start exploring the program!

Tune in each Wednesday to support our own “Alaska Lizzie” and wish her the best of luck on bringing a win home for Alaska. Don’t miss out on the excitement! 

Read the full edition here.

Source: UA System Office of Public Affairs.

Alaska Economic Trends (July 2023)

Above: Bell peppers, photo courtesy of Lance Cheung, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dan Robinson and Gunnar Shultz, economists for the Alaska Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development, examine the state’s trend of inflation in the feature article The Cost of Living in Alaska — data predict that inflation rates will slow, but will yet to stabilize. The piece also uncovers how the state’s inflation rate ranks nationally and details rankings at the city-level across Alaska.

The July edition also outlines 2022-2023 personal income growth and an analysis of Alaska’s 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 Connects Students to Opportunities through Career Coach

Did you know that the University of Alaska offers a web-based tool called Career Coach to help individuals explore careers that match their interests and discover postsecondary programs to prepare them for success?

University of Alaska Did you know? newsletter highlights Career Coach, a platform where students — and anyone interested — can browse career paths and employment opportunities across the state. In addition to labor data and wages, students can view all the steps and certifications needed to reach their career areas of interest. Military service members can even use their military occupation code to match their current job with civilian occupations.

Whether one is beginning their career or wanting to explore different industries, Career Coach helps users explore all opportunities for professional advancement.

Read the full edition here or jump right in and explore Career Coach.

Source: UA System Office of Public Affairs.

UAS Supports Hospitality and Tourism

Above: Students at Camp 1 in the Juneau Icefield. Photo by Forest Wagner.

Did you know students at the University of Alaska Southeast just completed at 10-day expedition across Juneau’s Icefield while earning college credit?

The newest edition of the University of Alaska Did you know? newsletter highlights the University of Alaska’s outdoor programs, through which students develop skills essential to outdoor and adventure leadership. From responsible outdoor recreation to emergency and risk management, students become outdoor professionals — they’re ready to lead everyone over, under, through and in Alaska’s diverse landscape. Specifically, they’re well equipped to help Alaska-newcomers and tourists navigate the state’s natural beauty.

As tourism is Alaska’s third-largest economic driver, UA’s outdoor program graduates meet the demand through hands-on experience with excursion and survival training. With over 1,400 job openings projected for Alaska’s hospitality and tourism industries this summer, UA is more than ready to support the state’s economy.

Read the full edition here and learn more about UA’s outdoor programs.

Source: UA System Office of Public Affairs.