www.AlaskaAlliance.com 29 OIL & GAS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES | MINING CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE | POWERPLANT CONSTRUCTION | PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION | REMOTE VILLAGE INFRASTRUCTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS | DESIGN BUILD & EPC | GENERAL CONTRACTING & MANAGEMENT | PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT & STAFFING Commitment to Safety & Quality | Anchorage · Kenai · Deadhorse | www.conamco.com | 907-278-6600 BUILDING ALASKA ONE OUNCE AT A TIME CONAM’s track record of successful projects has proven that resource development can be done responsibly while protecting Alaska’s fragile environment. Our firm understanding of Alaska’s unique challenges and commitment to HSSE and planning have translated into satisfied mining clients across the state. We get dirty so you get the pay dirt. is what will keep them here. According to a 1970 census of the population of the state of Alaska conducted by the Department of Commerce, the median age of ALL Alaskans in 1970 was 22.9 years of age. During this time there was steady income growth and population growth. “All industries in Alaska benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce,” Weinert said. When it comes to education requirements, Weinert said that it varies depending on the industry. “Some (industries) require a bachelor’s degree or completion of an apprenticeship or vocational training. Some industries have looked to lower entry-level requirements by transitioning to a competency-based, or skills-based form of hiring,” Weinert said. Weinert also said that Governor Mike Dunleavy has worked to incorporate a competency-based employment model for state jobs through Administrative Order No. 343. In AO No. 343, Dunleavy addresses the need to tackle the problem of the state’s labor shortage and how the state must be “flexible” when looking at a group of job candidates. “The state must have the flexibility to review different factors when evaluating an individual’s ability to successfully perform a job,” Dunleavy said. While all industries benefit from a large and diverse workforce, certain industries could best utilize younger employees, Weinert said. “The oil, gas and mining industries, along with healthcare and construction, stand to gain significantly from an influx of new workers, given the current demand for skilled labor in these sectors.” He added that the demand for certified plumbers, electricians and people in the construction trade is expected to go up. This outreach is targeted toward a range of people and demographics. One of those includes people living in the state with legal immigration status. “DOWLD is re-establishing the Office of Citizenship Assistance,” Weinert said. The OCA will work directly with legal immigrants and help them get connected with career opportunities within the state. This would also work to ensure that legal immigrants have access to federal and state resources as well as information afforded to all Alaskans under state law. “We’re working now to get the office established,” Weinert said. It seems as if Alaska is on the cusp of a great amelioration. Decisions are being made to draw people to Alaska to work. An influx that would hopefully mirror the gold rush or the oil boom. As time passes, more jobs should open up and the state might see another “golden age.” “With our current labor shortage, it’s never been a better time to be a young Alaskan,” Weinert said, “the career opportunities are endless.” Harry Whited is a lifelong Alaskan studying Journalism at the University of Kansas. He is a regular contributor to the University Daily Kansan and recently garnered the Edgar Wolfe Award in short fiction writing. He enjoys returning to his home state of Alaska to enjoy the abundant outdoor opportunities with his family and friends.
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