AWIB Priority Industry Sectors

Introduction

The Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) identifies priority industry sectors to align workforce development efforts with the state’s economic goals. These sectors are critical to Alaska’s economy, representing opportunities for sustainable job growth, economic diversification, and the provision of essential services. This document outlines these priority sectors and serves as a guide for targeted workforce strategies.

Alaska’s Priority Industry Sectors

Sector	Description	Rationale for Selection	Target Occupations	In-Demand Skills	Growth Projections
Healthcare	Provides essential care and supports Alaska’s public health infrastructure.	Aging population, increased demand for healthcare services in rural areas, and high-wage, high-growth jobs.	Registered Nurses, Community Health Workers, EMTs	Patient care, critical thinking, cultural competence.	Expected growth of 14% over the next decade; 2,000+ annual openings.
Natural Resources and Oil & Gas	Focused on resource extraction, processing, and energy production.	Key driver of Alaska’s economy, high-wage opportunities, and energy independence goals.	Petroleum Engineers, Geologists, Equipment Operators	Engineering, environmental compliance, technical expertise.	Stable growth, with increased opportunities tied to new projects and sustainability initiatives.
Maritime	Supports Alaska’s fishing, transportation, and logistics industries.	Alaska’s largest private-sector employer is critical for trade and food security.	Vessel Operators, Marine Engineers, Fisheries Technicians	Navigation, mechanical skills, safety protocols.	Significant seasonal opportunities; growing demand for sustainable fisheries management.
Construction	Provides infrastructure development and maintenance across the state.	High demand due to aging infrastructure, rural development needs, and federal infrastructure investments.	Carpenters, Electricians, Heavy Equipment Operators	Skilled trades, project management, safety certification.	Strong growth supported by federal funding for public works projects.
Technology	Encompasses IT, telecommunications, and emerging technologies.	Increasing reliance on technology for business operations and education, especially in remote areas.	Software Developers, Network Technicians, Data Analysts	Coding, cybersecurity, IT troubleshooting.	Growing demand across industries; increasing focus on remote service delivery.
Tourism & Hospitality	Supports Alaska’s significant visitor economy.	Critical for economic recovery, seasonal job opportunities, and cultural promotion.	Tour Guides, Hospitality Managers, Chefs	Customer service, multilingual skills, and cultural awareness.	Recovery growth post-pandemic, with consistent seasonal peaks.
Education	Provides foundational learning and workforce development opportunities.	Critical to supporting youth and adult learning and training programs aligned with industry needs.	Teachers, Educational Assistants, Career Counselors	Instruction, mentoring, and program development.	Stable demand statewide; need for educators in rural communities.
Mining	Includes resource extraction for minerals and metals critical to Alaska’s economy.	Major contributors to rural economies, especially for gold, zinc, and rare earth metals.	Miners, Geologists, Environmental Specialists	Resource management, heavy equipment operation.	New mining technologies and global demand drive moderate growth.
Transportation	Covers logistics, freight, and passenger transportation services statewide.	It is essential for connecting rural and urban communities and supporting supply chains.	Truck Drivers, Pilots, Logistics Coordinators	Logistics planning, safety certifications, mechanical skills.	Strong growth due to ongoing infrastructure and logistics needs.
Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency	Focuses on renewable energy projects and energy-efficient technologies.	The emerging sector has opportunities to diversify energy sources and reduce costs in remote areas.	Wind Technicians, Solar Installers, Energy Auditors	Renewable energy systems, efficiency retrofitting.	Rapid growth potential as federal funding supports clean energy initiatives.
Resource Development	Encompasses the sustainable use and development of Alaska’s natural resources.	High economic potential from timber, agriculture, and fisheries management.	Foresters, Fisheries Technicians, Land Surveyors	Environmental stewardship, GIS, sustainability practices.	Growing demand for sustainable practices in resource industries.
Aviation	Supports passenger and freight air transportation, especially in remote areas.	Critical for connecting rural communities, supporting tourism, and ensuring timely delivery of goods.	Pilots, Aircraft Mechanics, Air Traffic Controllers	Aviation safety, navigation, maintenance.	Stable growth with new opportunities tied to expanded services in remote locations.
Retail	Supports Alaska’s local economies through commerce and trade.	The largest employer in many regions, providing diverse job opportunities and services.	Retail Managers, Sales Associates, Merchandisers	Customer service, inventory management, digital retail.	Steady growth with increasing demand for e-commerce and retail technology expertise.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria were used to identify Alaska’s priority industry sectors:

Economic Contribution: Sectors that significantly contribute to Alaska’s GDP and job creation.
Workforce Needs: Sectors with high-demand, high-wage occupations and opportunities for Alaskans.
Regional Relevance: Alignment with the unique strengths and needs of Alaska’s urban and rural communities.
Emerging Trends: Sectors with potential for innovation, growth, and diversification.
Community Impact: Support for essential services and economic resilience.

Supporting Data and Analysis

This document is based on:

Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) labor market information (LMI).
Feedback from industry representatives and local workforce boards.
Economic projections from state and national sources.
Community and stakeholder input.

Strategic Goals for Alaska’s Priority Sectors

Each sector's goals include expanding training programs, strengthening industry partnerships, and improving access to career pathways, particularly in rural areas and for underrepresented populations.