State Training and Employment Program (STEP)
The State Training and Employment Program is administered by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) and funded by a set-aside from the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The purpose of STEP is to enhance the quality and make Alaska job training and employment assistance easily available to employers, employees, and future workers.
STEP fosters economic growth by preparing Alaskans with competitive, employable skills. The program benefits existing companies and attracts new businesses to Alaska by preparing a local workforce skilled in traditional, new, or emerging fields.
STEP Grants
Who should apply for a STEP grant?
Non-profit or for-profit organizations, educators, industry trainers, employers and other organizations should apply for a STEP grant to enhance employee skills to meet industries demand for skilled workers. The Division of Employment and Training Services administers the STEP grants. When available, the Request of Grant Applications can be found on the state’s on-line public notice web site. The Division has implemented a new electronic on-line grant management system, EGrAMS, for performing grant management activities on-line.
Benefits of the program
STEP targets adult worker who may be employed or employable, have worked in a job covered by unemployment insurance and who need training to improve their prospects for obtaining or retaining employment. Ideal participants are seeking skills to improve their current employment situation. The goal of STEP is to help self-motivate individuals with realistic goals gain essential skills for employment success. The benefit STEP participants realize as they move forward in their careers aided by STEP training is increased earning potential. Employers who invest in a skilled workforce gain a competitive edge in business and benefit from costs incurred in supporting unemployment insurance for those not working.
STEP Services
Job training for individuals
Individuals with a work history seeking ways to improve their employment prospects are encouraged to contact one of the many job centers in Alaska and schedule a time to meet with a career counselor. The purpose of the meeting is to match your skills and abilities with training that best fits your needs. Visit a state job center near you to learn more and get started. The Alaska Job Centers Network provides contact information on all locations.
