Did You Know 96% of graduates from �鶹��ý’s 46 Construction Programs Stay in Alaska to Build the State’s Future?

September 24, 2024

With Alaska poised for new infrastructure projects, the �鶹��ý is stepping up to ensure the state has the workforce it needs. Through a $800,000 partnership between �鶹��ý and industry leaders, the next generation of construction professionals is already taking shape.

This $800,000 Construction Management Workforce Initiative is not just about numbers—it's about people. It’s a partnership built on vision and leadership. Meg Nordale, President of GHEMM Company and Chair of the �鶹��ý Foundation Board of Directors, has been a driving force behind the effort. Concerned about the state's workforce shortages, Nordale joined forces with �鶹��ý President Pat Pitney to address this urgent need. Together, they formed a coalition of industry leaders and university representatives to bridge the gap between industry demands and �鶹��ý's construction management programs.

“We are building more than structures; we’re building futures,” said Nordale, who facilitated the initiative’s committee. The team’s focus has been clear: raise awareness of career pathways, increase access to education, and ensure that �鶹��ý students are equipped with job-ready skills.

The Impact of Partnerships
The initiative has garnered widespread support, exceeding the $800,000 goal and raising nearly $900,000 to expand �鶹��ý’s capacity to train the next generation of construction professionals. Helga and Bill Watterson, longtime �鶹��ý advocates, were among the first to invest in this future, contributing $50,000 and inspiring others to follow their lead. Nearly $500,000 in private donations have poured in from industry leaders, and �鶹��ý itself committed $400,000 to support this critical workforce development. Donors like Watterson have expressed that they plan to continue hiring �鶹��ý graduates and are pleased with the expertise of these programs.

But the initiative’s impact isn’t just measured in dollars. Since Fall 2022, enrollment in construction management and related programs at �鶹��ýA, �鶹��ýF, and �鶹��ýS has surged, a testament to the growing interest in these fields and �鶹��ý’s ability to meet Alaska’s workforce needs.

Growing Alaska’s Talent
One of the initiative’s most notable achievements is keeping talent close to home. A remarkable 96.2% of �鶹��ý’s construction program graduates remain in Alaska, helping to fill key roles in industries ranging from transportation to resource extraction. These graduates are not just building Alaska’s infrastructure, but investing in and building up their communities, as well.

With 46 programs across �鶹��ý's three main campuses, the university has produced over 3,800 graduates since 2011, and many now work in construction-related fields. And the future looks even brighter: the average salary for graduates ranges from $67,590 for certificates, $82,805 for associates, and $110,106 for bachelor’s and beyond.

Building a Path Forward
The Construction Management Workforce Initiative isn’t just about boosting enrollment—it’s about creating real opportunities. From expanded internship programs that give students hands-on experience early in their academic journey to flexible, fully online programs that make education more accessible for non-traditional students, �鶹��ý is adapting to meet the needs of Alaska’s workforce. The university is also actively recruiting new faculty to ensure students receive top-tier instruction aligned with industry demands.

“By investing in �鶹��ý’s construction programs, we’re investing in the future of Alaska,” said President Pitney. “These students will go on to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s infrastructure for decades to come.”

As Alaska faces a wave of new infrastructure projects, the �鶹��ý remains committed to producing skilled, homegrown talent ready to meet these challenges head-on.

Go Deeper:
To learn more about �鶹��ý's construction programs and how you can support future workforce initiatives the 2023 Workforce Reports.