Workforce shortages prompt conference By Robert Howk, Alaska Journal of Commerce
'It's a combination of baby boomers who are retiring, out-of-state workers who are taking construction jobs and young people who are not interested in jobs in the industry,' Andrews said.
The prime reason for the conference, he said, was to get the myriad agencies, employers and educators and others affected by the issue to begin taking a 'comprehensive' approach in thinking about the future.
'We all have to work together - government, industry, organized labor, apprenticeship training programs, community-based programs and Alaska Native organizations,' he said.