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.
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.
Did you know the University of Alaska system offers more than 40 programs directly related to the construction industry in Alaska?
From carpentry to surveying, heavy duty equipment to welding, and civil engineering to project and construction management, these programs range from short-term certificates to four-year degrees and beyond, and all are designed with industry input to provide the skills needed for employment or career advancement.
There’s always been a need to train new generations of people to work in construction. But the number of job openings in Alaska jumped by 40 percent from 2019 to 2022, and spending from the Infrastructure Act will make filling high-wage jobs even more challenging. Nearly $3 billion is expected to come to Alaska in the next few years from the Infrastructure Act. Another set of projects that will require more technicians and construction workers are the proposals to significantly expand and enhance broadband access across Alaska.
Since 2011, 3,626 people have graduated from programs relevant to the state’s construction industry and are working either directly in construction or are employed in closely-related industries such as transportation, mining, and oil and gas. Significant numbers also work in state and local government.
Learn more about the programs, partnerships and opportunities available across the University of Alaska system in our latest “Did You Know” video feature.
Did You Know highlights the UA system’s many successful programs through storytelling and data. Our goal is to educate readers about the universities’ roles in improving lives and shaping the state’s economy. These stories are shared on social media and posted on the website.
Women in Construction Week (WIC Week) is next week, March 5-11th!
WIC Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Alaska Chapter has partnered with some great local organizations to host events in both Anchorage and Fairbanks. View the full list of events here.
March 10th, from 12-4pm, Alaska Safety Alliance (ASA) is hosting an Open House for women interested in joining the construction, oil & gas, maritime, and mining workforce, and women currently working in those industries who want to transition to a new position or pursue continuing education. Explore the many pathways to get the education and training you need, right here in Alaska! Occupation opportunities ranges from the trades (laborers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipeline operations, etc) to Project Management, Health & Safety, Human Resources, Business Management, Engineering and many more! Guest speakers will be featured between 1-3pm to share opportunities and tips for gaining education and employment. RSVP here.
UA Workforce Development News 