Maritime Works

Maritime Works is a network of committed individuals and companies with a passion for Alaska’s maritime industry. From aquaculture to ship building and repair, maritime is Alaska’s largest employment sector, supporting more than 70,000 jobs.

Maritime Works is managed by the Alaska Safety Alliance and its members have entrusted ASA to implement the strategies identified in the Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan: growing awareness of the career opportunities, improving workforce readiness among Alaskans, creating training opportunities for marine occupations statewide, supporting employer recruitment and retention, and promoting sustained industry engagement.

The plan identifies 23 priority occupations in four subsectors of Alaska’s maritime industry: seafood harvesters, seafood processors, research, enhancement and management, and marine occupations and support industries. While the 23 occupations certainly represent only a small portion of all maritime employment, they rose to the top with regard to overall employment demand and a clear need for more Alaska workers.

The dedicated professionals of Maritime Works understand that workforce development requires ongoing commitment and collaboration. A strong Alaska workforce takes industry, community groups, government, and education and training providers working together to leverage resources and deliver efficient, effective programs. 

The diverse nature and sheer number of small businesses within the maritime sector pose challenges. Maritime Works provides an opportunity for all employers, workers and educators from all industry subsectors to actively engage with the implementation of the Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan. If you have an interest in becoming involved with Maritime Works, please call us at 907-770-5250.

T3 and Alaska Workforce Alliance Launch Maritime STEAMfest in Coastal Communities

The University of Alaska Fairbanks T3 Program and Maritime Works at the Alaska Workforce Alliance (AWA) are excited to announce a collaboration to bring Maritime STEAMfests to coastal communities across Alaska in 2025. STEAMfests are interactive events that will introduce students to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) as it relates to specific careers or location.

Beginning in 2025, T3 and the Alaska Workforce Alliance will be putting on unique Maritime-focused STEAMfests. This Maritime theme is inspired by a partnership with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, who recognizes the importance of building Alaska’s maritime workforce and connecting students with career opportunities. The 2025 STEAMfests will take place in Sitka, Wrangell, and Valdez in the spring, then Kodiak and Ketchikan in the fall.

This project aims to raise awareness among Alaskan high school students about career opportunities in the maritime industry and provide a pathway to track student progress as they move through successive levels of engagement.  The University of Alaska Fairbanks T3 Alaska Program, and Maritime Works at the AWA bring experience in facilitating student events and multi-year capacity building programs that bridge the gap between post-secondary education opportunities and high school students from rural and underserved backgrounds.

After students engage in a Maritime STEAMfest, some will have the opportunity to complete a short online class, and then participate in a 4 day intensive class. In this follow-up class, they will be coached through completing essential Coast Guard-regulated paperwork and credentials, dive deeper into the different options for career pathways in Maritime, and have fun on field trips and activities.

Some skills and knowledge that students can expect to gain throughout this experience includes:

  • Professionalism (Work ethic, Leadership and Initiative), Communications, Maritime Terms, Types of Ships and Careers
  • Support for credentialing: TWIC Office visit, Food Handlers Card,  MMC Application support
  • Post secondary education awareness: Financial Aid and Scholarships, AVTEC, UAS, Coast Guard
  • Exposure to different jobs on ships: Deck Department, Engine Department, Steward, Galley, Navigation and Piloting

For more information contact: Jamie@alaskaworkforcealliance.org

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