Category: Workforce Development

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.

UAF Student Grows Career with Alaska Airlines

Photo by Joe Nicholson

University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) student, Kyle H., became a full-fledged aircraft technician last year through the Alaska Airlines Maintenance Technician Development Program.

When he was 20, Kyle began working as a ramp service agent in Juneau, Alaska — but his aspirations required more. He enrolled in the UAF airframe & powerplant (A&P) program to pursue licensure, while simultaneously continuing his work as a ramp service agent, but becoming a student while employed proved to be a hard transition for Kyle.

To that end, Kyle learned about a program for aspiring aircraft mechanics that could help him with class fees while working. Encouragement from leaders inspired him to apply, and he was accepted. As the first student completing the program, Kyle received $12,300 in stipends and mentorship opportunities with a certified airframe and power plant (A&P) technician.

Now, Kyle established his role as a line aircraft technician in Anchorage, and encourages others to consider applying for the program.

“Know what you’re capable of, but don’t be afraid to push your limits. Hard work and determination will always pay off, and I’m living proof,” says Kyle.

Read more about about Kyle’s story.

Source: Marianne Lindsey, Alaska Airlines News & Stories.

ICYMI: Alaska Economic Trends (March 2023)

Above: 1897 drawing of a prospector from the book Klondike: The Chicago records’s book for gold seekers. Public domain image, published by Monroe Book company and contributed by the University of California Libraries.

In case you missed it, don’t forget to close out the month with the Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s March 2023 economic report.

The feature article, Decline in working-age Alaskans, highlights the changing workforce and provides insight on elements influencing the downward trend, and a glimpse of what the future holds for the state’s working-age population.

This edition also provides population estimates for Alaska and an analysis of our economy. Read the full edition here.

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

MAPTS gets grant to train workers for mine near Tetlin

Photo by: Eric Engman. Attendees get a tour of the facility during the MAPTS Graduation in the Mining and Petroleum Training Service Underground Mine Training Center off of the Alaska Highway outside Delta Junction Monday, November 21, 2022.

A $300,000 grant from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development to the Mining and Petroleum Training Service will provide mining training for local residents at the MAPTS training center near Delta Junction. Read more here.

Source: University of Alaska News and Information