Apprentices are being honored in Alaska in concurrence with National Apprenticeship Week.
Gov. Bill Walker proclaimed Nov. 14-20 as Alaska Apprenticeship Week.
Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas noted that apprenticeship “is a cornerstone of Alaska’s strong middle class, and a key reason that we have some of the highest median wages in the country.”
Walker’s proclamation comes amidst major expansions of Alaska apprenticeships by employers in the health care, maritime and aviation industries.
In addition, the state has taken comprehensive policy steps to support Alaska’s longstanding and successful construction apprenticeship programs.
The Alaska Primary Care Association is starting apprenticeships for community health workers, medical biller/coder, medical administrative assistant and clinical medical assistants.
The Alaska Air Carriers Association is developing apprenticeships for commercial pilots, airframe and power plant mechanic, and aircraft dispatchers.
Calista Corp. has started a multi-employer maritime apprenticeship program for deckhands, able bodies seamen and other maritime occupations in partnership with Brice Marine and other employers.
Fourteen chiropractic clinics are signing up apprentices in the Alaska Chiropractic Association’s new chiropractic assistant apprenticeships.
