Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives Monday passed a resolution reaffirming the legislatures’ support for the Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan.

House Concurrent Resolution 10, by Representative Louise Stutes, declares the legislatures’ recognition of the need for the Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan, the Alaska Workforce Investment Board and the Alaska Vocational & Technical Education Center in Seward. It also encourages support and participation by various state agencies already tasked with the mission of workforce development.

“This resolution states that by working smarter with existing training and educational resources, greater benefits can accrue to the citizens and maritime industries of our state,” Stutes, R-Kodiak, said. “The goal is to drive outcomes that improve maritime-related blue collar, high dollar job opportunities for Alaskans while strengthening the economic competiveness of Alaska’s maritime industries.”

The Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan is the first comprehensive effort to understand and address the workforce development needs of Alaska’s maritime industry. As defined in the plan, the maritime industry includes seafood harvesters; seafood processors; fisheries research, enhancement and management; marine transportation; ship building and repair; and marine support services. Collectively, this sector is Alaska’s largest private employer with more than 500 firms statewide and a workforce of over 68,000.

“Until now, these occupations had not been formally characterized as a unique and related workforce,” Stutes said. “The plan is a guide and call to action for the private sector, government, education, and workforce development entities to forge a partnership dedicated to building a globally competitive maritime workforce in Alaska.”

HCR 10 passed the House on a vote of 39-0 and now moves to the Alaska Senate for consideration.

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