As a heavy equipment operator for more than 30 years, I know the value of a good education and solid training. I found myself going back for more training as I advanced in my career. Eventually, I became a trainer. Now as Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, my job is to help you get prepared for a career.

One way to earn that career is through Registered Apprenticeship. As we prepare to build a natural gas pipeline, apprenticeship will become even more relevant as we will need to meet all high-growth industry demands for qualified workers. Apprenticeship will allow us to train Alaskans and put them to work.

This unique program has been successfully used in the trades and construction industries. We are reaching out to other high demand industries in Alaska – ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, retail to mining, and transportation to forestry. These high-skilled and high-tech jobs are particularly suited to apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship offers unique benefits. Apprentices “earn while they learn,” with a paycheck and benefits. As apprentice skill levels increase, by learning a trade in both a classroom and on a job site, wages increase progressively. After completing an apprenticeship, journey-level status and certificate are recognized nationally. Apprenticeship connects job seekers looking to obtain new skills and employers looking for trained and qualified workers.

The result will be a skilled Alaskan workforce – developed with industry driven training – and employers with a competitive edge.