Alaska Resource Review, Winter 2026

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 1 | MARCH 2026

local jobs in Southeast Alaska,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “Too often, Alaskans leave because they believe there are no opportunities at home. By developing certified, shipyard-spe- cific training programs in partnership with industry and state agencies, we can ensure Alaska jobs are filled by Alaska workers.” Kennedy Stumpf, welding instructor and director of the Generations South- east welding program, noted the personal impact of introducing new workers to the trades. “Providing the opportunity for Alaskans to explore aspects of the shipyard brings me so much joy,” Stumpf said. “That’s where my own love and respect for the trades began.” The initiative has drawn support from a wide range of public and private leaders who see workforce development as essential to long-term economic growth. Chas Edwardson, Generations Southeast Director and Cultural Heritage Education leader with the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, highlighted the importance of collaboration. “Providing workforce training that pre- pares Alaskans for Alaska’s jobs strengthens

our regional economy today and for genera- tions to come,” Edwardson said. Alaska State Sen. Bert Stedman echoed the sentiment, pointing to the broader eco- nomic implications. “Expanding marine construction is vital to economic growth in Ketchikan,” Stedman said. “These collaborations build a skilled workforce, strengthen economic resilience, and help keep families, jobs and students in our communities.” Alaska Rep. Jeremy T. Bynum described the agreement as a model for workforce in- vestment. “This partnership connects career training directly to real jobs,” Bynum said. “Technical readiness and career training are foundational to a strong workforce and a strong economy.” Federal leaders also emphasized the na- tional and strategic significance of expand- ing Alaska’s maritime workforce. U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan noted that future opportuni- ties tied to federal investments — includ- ing icebreaker construction and expanded Coast Guard and Navy maintenance activ- ities — will require a highly trained work- force.

“That’s why this agreement is so import- ant,” Sullivan said. “We need more highly trained shipbuilding workers to seize these opportunities.” Gov. Mike Dunleavy added that col- laboration between industry and training partners is essential to ensuring long-term success. “This MOU creates a clear pathway from training to employment by aligning work- force education with real industry needs,” Dunleavy said. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski emphasized the local impact of investing in workforce readiness. “Building Alaska’s workforce starts with strong partnerships,” she said. “Investing in Alaskans strengthens coastal economies and keeps opportunities within our com- munities.” AIDEA Executive Director Randy Ruaro described the agreement as just the begin- ning of broader efforts to expand maritime industry opportunities statewide. “AIDEA will continue to work with JAG to find additional partners and bring more economic benefits from the shipyard,” Rua- ro said. “We are just getting started.”

PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND MARITIME WORKFORCE Photo Courtesy AIDEA

Collaboration will help open new pathways for skilled trades careers COURTESY AIDEA A NEW COLLABORATION BETWEEN INDUSTRY LEADERS, WORKFORCE TRAINERS AND STATE AGENCIES AIMS TO RESHAPE ALASKA’S MARI- TIME WORKFORCE — OPENING PATHWAYS FOR SKILLED TRADES CAREERS WHILE STRENGTHEN- ING SOUTHEAST ALASKA’S GROWING SHIPYARD SECTOR. The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), JAG Marine Group, and Generations Southeast Voca- tional Training Center recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to expand workforce training op- portunities and prepare Alaskans for careers

BUILDING ALASKA ONE OUNCE AT A TIME CONAM’s track record of successful projects has proven that resource development can be done responsibly while protecting Alaska’s fragile environment. Our firm understanding of Alaska’s unique challenges and commitment to HSSE and planning have translated into

in shipyard repair, construction and mari- time trades. The initiative reflects a broader effort to align workforce development with Alaska’s evolving economic landscape, where mari- time infrastructure and vessel maintenance are becoming increasingly critical to region- al growth. JAG Marine Group currently operates shipyards in Seward and Ketchikan, with AIDEA owning the Ketchikan facility. Since assuming operations just months ago, JAG has already reported increased business ac- tivity and expanded employment opportu- nities at the Ketchikan shipyard — signaling renewed momentum for Southeast Alaska’s maritime economy. Doug Huff of JAG Marine Group em- phasized the long-term potential of the partnership. “There are tremendous opportunities to

work in the shipyard and maritime indus- try in Alaska,” Huff said. “This MOU and the efforts of our partners to train Alaskans will provide family-wage blue-collar jobs right out of high school while strengthening Southeast Alaska’s economic foundation.” At the center of the agreement is Gen- erations Southeast Vocational Training Center, which provides workforce training through both physical campuses and vir- tual learning programs. Supported by the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Sealaska Corporation, and the State of Alaska, the organization focuses on equipping residents with industry-rele- vant skills. Leaders say the partnership represents more than just training — it creates a direct pathway from education to employment. “This is a statewide effort, and the ship- yard presents a real opportunity to create

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ALASKA RESOURCE REVIEW MARCH 2026

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