8 ALASKA RESOURCE REVIEW FALL 2024 IT’S NO SECRET THAT FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, THERE HAS BEEN A TREND OF OUTMIGRATION IN WORKING AGE ALASKANS. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported a 0.2 percent drop last year, marking the 11th year in a row of net population outflow. To put a finer point on it, according to the same study we currently have two job openings for every one unemployed person. Alaskan leaders have taken notice. This last legislative session we saw the state legislature putting a heavy focus on trying to quell outmigration and maintain a vibrant workforce in the state. Though this issue has been topical recently, it is obviously not a new problem, nor is it a problem that can be solved easily or quickly. Economists have cited many factors contributing to outmigration including a competitive national labor market, rising housing costs, high cost of energy, and aging infrastructure in the state. These statistics paint a bleak picture for our state’s future, but we will never stop our youth from wanting to experience life outside of Alaska, nor should we discourage them from doing so. No one can blame young people for wanting to experience life outside of our somewhat isolated state, but how do we make sure young Alaskans are returning with newfound passion and experience? The economists would say we need to provide access to good-paying jobs, options for career advancement, and build more modern housing. These are all solutions that we should absolutely continue to work on. In fact, the industries RDC represents — mining, oil and gas, fisheries, tourism, and forestry — do a great job of providing solutions to these economic problems by providing some of the highest wages, diverse career paths, and interesting work in the state. That said, there are also other ways to inspire the next generation to come back to Alaska. Beyond these economic barriers, there is a frame of mind that makes people want to work and live in Alaska. Is Alaska cold, dark, and isolated from the outside world, or is it a vibrant and exciting last frontier filled with work that matters and people who value community and time in the outdoors? I personally embraced the latter message wholeheartedly when I decided to move back to Alaska. Perspective matters more than ever in the digital world we live in where young people are spending their time daydreaming about extravagant lifestyles and gaining relevance through 15 minutes of online fame. Messaging what Alaska can provide our young and returning professionals can be just as important as the economic benefit, sometimes more so. For RDC’s part in changing young perspectives, you’ll see our organization supporting a number of groups that are engaging positively with the younger generation of Alaskans. RDC partners closely with Alaska Resource Education (ARE) who are doing an excellent job teaching Alaska’s youth about the exciting opportunities in Alaska’s resource developing industries and ensuring that young Alaskans are aware of the career paths available in our state. The Anchorage School District Academies of Anchorage initiative is also a bright spot in changing perspectives, getting kids thinking about in-state career options early in their schooling. Velocity is another organization seeking to break the typical mold by providing an honest and constructive voice for resource developing industries to the current and future workforce. I’ve also seen RDC and its members partner with local schools and universities to provide career fairs, internships, workshops and more, to highlight the skills needed in Alaska’s job market. As part of RDC’s commitment to engaging with the next generation of Alaskans, we are putting on our second annual Emerging Leaders and Established Professionals opening reception at our 45th Annual Resources Conference where our members are encouraged to invite their company’s young professionals and new faces to engage with our board members and industry leaders. We hope to see you there! SELLING ALASKA TO THE NEXT GENERATION “Messaging what Alaska can provide our young and returning professionals can be just as important as the economic benefit, sometimes more so.” — Connor Hajdukovich, RDC External Affairs and Policy Coordinator
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