AK/Now Workforce Initiative
“We know opportunities are coming. The work now is making sure our people are ready when it arrives.”
— C. Wirz, Workforce Leader
The AK/Now Workforce Initiative is a one-year pilot that brings together employers, training providers, Tribal organizations, Alaska Native corporations, nonprofits, state agencies, and community partners to better understand Alaska's workforce landscape and identify practical opportunities for collaboration.
About the Pilot
AK/Now is designed to improve coordination among organizations already supporting workforce education, training, readiness, and employment. Rather than creating an entirely new standalone program, the pilot focuses on understanding existing resources, identifying gaps and duplication, sharing promising practices, and developing actionable recommendations that strengthen pathways into high-demand careers.
Partners gathered in Anchorage to discuss workforce needs, training resources, employer demand, and opportunities for coordination.
Teams mapped resources, identified gaps and barriers, shared current investments, and drafted recommendations.
Partners review findings, hear working group recommendations, and identify immediate collaborative action.
Participating organizations review comprehensive findings to inform future Alaska Native workforce investments.
Focus Area Teams
Four working groups examining workforce needs, credentials, and employer expectations.
Welding
Exploring training capacity, workforce readiness, industry credentials (AWS), employer demand, and hiring timelines.
CDL & Transportation
Reviewing pathways into commercial driving, logistics, regional transportation, and related infrastructure occupations.
Construction Laborers
Identifying opportunities to strengthen union apprentice access, safety readiness, pre-apprenticeships, and employment connections.
Health & Safety
Examining OSHA, HAZWOPER, remote medic certifications, and employer health expectations across Alaska industries.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
Connect with TCF education advisors and explore Career Technical Education (CTE) scholarship funding to cover tuition, certifications, and industry credentials.