(10-1-2025) - State of Alaska, industry leaders continue partnership, announce joint initiative to grow workforce talent

State of Alaska, industry leaders continue partnership, announce joint initiative to grow workforce talent

Oct. 1, 2025
No. 25-19

JUNEAU - The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and the Alaska Workforce Alliance (AWA) have released a new workforce plan, Alaska's Workforce Future. The plan reflects extensive collaboration, with feedback from industry representatives, job seekers, educators, and workforce partners, and outlines a proactive approach to meeting projected employment demand across Alaska's industries. The full plan is available on the Alaska Workforce Investment Board website.

DOLWD and AWA are working in partnership with the University of Alaska, the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) to advance the strategies and goals outlined in Alaska's Workforce Future.

"It is encouraging to see the continued commitment by Alaska's public and private sectors to work together to support Alaska's workforce," said Catherine Muñoz, Commissioner, Department of Labor and Workforce Development. "I encourage Alaska's business community, unions, and job seekers to participate in the October Convening to advance the strategies and goals in Alaska's Workforce Future."

"The University of Alaska is proud to be a partner in implementing Alaska's Workforce Future plan. By aligning our programs with industry needs and working together with state and regional partners, we are ensuring that Alaskans are prepared for the careers that drive our economy," said President Pat Pitney, University of Alaska." This partnership reflects our responsibility as the state's public university system to help meet workforce demand and strengthen Alaska's long-term economic resilience."

"Alaska is gaining more interest from investors, not just domestically but on the international stage. Our strategic location and cold climate provide natural advantages in many sectors. We have become a world-class destination for travelers and established ourselves as a leader in the sustainable development of natural resources. Growth across industries requires a trained workforce, and we are proud to partner with the Department of Labor to ensure a skilled workforce is ready to unleash Alaska's potential," said Commissioner Julie Sande, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

"What makes Alaska's Workforce Future so powerful is the depth of collaboration - schools, training providers, employers, rural advocates, and industry experts all leaning in together. The upcoming Workforce Convening is an important opportunity to bring those voices into the conversation and ensure every sector and region is represented," said Cari-Ann Carty, President/CEO of the Alaska Safety Alliance and its subsidiary, the Alaska Workforce Alliance. " AWA helps carry forward the shared vision by fostering communication and alignment, while each partner continues advancing their priorities and strengths on the ground. Broad participation is essential if we want strategies that reflect all of Alaska and move this work forward."

"Alaska moves forward through cooperation and preparedness. Helping students prepare for meaningful careers is a central responsibility we take on as educators," said Deena Bishop, Commissioner, Department of Education and Early Development." Together with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, DEED is ensuring students are prepared for high-demand careers aligned with Alaska's workforce needs."

A joint letter from AWA, DOLWD, DCCED, DEED, and the University of Alaska formally endorsed the strategies and goals of Alaska's Workforce Future. The letter highlighted early results already being seen through partnerships, including higher graduation rates in career-focused education, regional program alignment, and renewed interest in registered apprenticeships.

On October 14-15, AWA, the Business Education Compact, and DOLWD will host a Workforce Convening alongside the Alaska Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Professional Development Conference. The Convening will introduce Alaska's Workforce Future, include industry and regional breakout sessions, and highlight school-to-employment pathways. The second day will focus on marketing Alaska's employment opportunities both in-state and beyond, showing how training programs and employers are aligning to prepare the state's future workforce.

Event registration

Interested participants can register online to attend the BEC Workforce Convening. Sessions will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at the Hotel Captain Cook (1-5 p.m.) and Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at the UAA Student Union (8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.).