Amazing Workforce Summit at Alaska Job Corps Center

“How did you get so many employers to this function?” was the frequently asked question at the Alaska Job Corps Workforce Summit on November 17.  The full size basketball court was packed with CEO’s, managing business partners, major employers and human relations managers from around the state.  It was an excellent snapshot of the world of work in Alaska and Job Corps is proud of its’ very long reach.

Department of Labor Economist Alyssa Rodriguez offered the keynote presentation and gave a critical presentation of labor demographics in the state and region, along with a short and long range forecast for employment.

Five students debuted and introduced themselves to the hundred guests as qualified and “ready to work.”  Two job placements were actually initiated from this workforce connection in November.

GCI, Telecom, Bering Straits, ANTHC, UPS, Anchorage School District, City of Palmer, Mat Su Borough, Matanuska Telephone Association, University of Alaska, Bureau of Land Management, construction firms, contractors, health facilities, MEA, and SBS were just a few of the many attendees.

All trade instructors had a full table of hand selected employers to talk with regarding the needs and applicability of Job Corps training to hire.  An impressive buffet line of delicious homemade food was prepared and served by the Alaska Job Corps Culinary Arts class and Chef Williams.

Work base Specialists and Employment Specialists ensured that all students made the important connections with employers and opened up a robust dialogue with employers for future placements.

The Workforce Summit replaces Community Industry Councils, as specified by the WIOA (Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act) which ensures that training ties strongly with labor demographics and needs.

The Alaska Job Corps Center is operated by Chugach Education Services.