Tag: DOLWD

Alaska March Economic Trends

March2017TrendsMarch Trends is an in-depth look at the gender wage gap Alaska, including by region, industry, occupation, age, and educational level. Including part-time workers, women make an average of 68 percent of what men make in Alaska. Also this month is an analysis of educational attainment levels in Alaska since the territorial days and how the state compares to the nation. Overall, educational levels in both Alaska and the U.S. have been rising for the past 75 years, but the patterns have differed by region and demographic group.

Click here to read March Trends.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

 

The State Training and Employment Program (STEP) Request for Grant Applications for State Fiscal Year 2018

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Employment and Training Services requests grant applications for training projects in priority industries under the State Training and Employment Program (STEP).  The STEP is funded by a percentage of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and is appropriated to the Division by the Alaska State Legislature.

The purpose of the STEP is to enhance the quality and accessibility of in-state training and employment services for Alaska residents to help meet the workforce needs of employers in the state. STEP seeks to increase resident employment in industries where a high number of nonresidents are working, reduce future unemployment claims, and foster economic growth in all regions by meeting employers demand for a skilled workforce.

Organizations with training projects that will upgrade the skills of the local workforce with the latest national and state certifications and competencies in demand by employers in the priority industries are encouraged to apply. Training participants must meet the eligibility requirements of the STEP.

Visit the public notice and view attachments at https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=184837

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development

Alaska Primary Care Association Launches Health Care Apprenticeships

JUNEAU, Alaska— The Alaska Primary Care Association, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and U.S. Department of Labor have signed standards of apprenticeship to start four new health care Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Registered Apprenticeships include Community Health Worker, Medical Administrative Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Medical Biller/Coder. This program is supported with federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Christian Health Associates, Bethel Family Clinic, Camai Community Health Center (Bristol Bay), Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, Cross Road Health Ministries, Easter Aleutian Tribes, Girdwood Health Center, Interior Community Health Center, Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, and Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation have already identified Alaskans who are signing up as apprentices through the program.

“This represents a massive expansion of Registered Apprenticeship in the health care sector and in rural Alaska,” said Alaska Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas. “Community Health Workers and other health care professionals will help improve Alaskans’ health care while supporting cost effectiveness strategies identified in Senate Bill 74 and the Healthy Alaska Plan.”

“Registered Apprenticeship is part of the solution to Alaska’s health workforce shortages – and it’s a win-win-win for the apprentice, the practices, and the community. It’s a grow-your-own training strategy that improves the availability of quality care while controlling costs,” said Nancy Merriman, Executive Director of the Alaska Primary Care Association.

Registered Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction, and is designed to offer worker training based on the needs of the employers. Registered Apprenticeship programs directly contribute to higher rates of Alaska Hire and lower rates of unemployment. The number of Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors has increased 86% since 2000.

Alaskans interested in these health care Registered Apprenticeship opportunities should visit http://www.alaskapca.org/workforce.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development Press Release – February 2, 2017

Alaska February Economic Trends

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February Trends looks at the modern volatility of jobs in Alaska’s oil industry, comparing periods of loss since the 1980s and providing a snapshot of the industry at its most recent high, in 2015. Also this month is a profile of Hoonah, Southeast’s largest Tlingit community.

Click here to read the issue.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Alaska January Economic Trends –Employment Forecast for 2017

trendsjan2017January is Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s annual economic forecast, and for 2017 they expect Alaska to lose about 7,500 jobs, or 2.3 percent as low oil prices and state budget problems continue. Unlike last year, when loss was mainly in the industries closely related to oil, most sectors are forecasted to lose some employment this year while losses in the oil industry are expected to slow. Health care is the exception, and tourism will also remain strong, especially in Southeast, but these industries won’t be able to mitigate overall or regional losses.

Click here to read the full forecast.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development