Workforce development plays a major role in improving the quality of life in any community. AK Health and Social Services has focused on supporting Alaska’s workforce by offering practical programs and services that train, guide, and place individuals in the health and social service fields.
Table of Contents
Workforce Development Goals
Employment Readiness Programs are designed to prepare individuals for jobs in health and human services.
Skill Enhancement Training focuses on increasing knowledge in healthcare, administration, caregiving, and case management.
Community Strengthening Stronger local workforces contribute to healthier and more self-reliant communities.
Access and Inclusion Services are open to youth, rural residents, Alaska Natives, and others facing job barriers.
Key Programs Offered
Program Name
Purpose
Public Health Apprenticeship
Offers hands-on training in public health careers.
Youth Employment Services
Supports young people with internships and job training opportunities.
Tribal Workforce Programs
Partners with tribal organizations to build culturally relevant training.
Behavioral Health Aide Program
Trains aides for rural behavioral health support.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Assists individuals with disabilities in preparing for and getting jobs.
Senior and Disability Services Training
Provides specialized caregiver training for aging and disabled populations.
Target Groups Served
Group
Support Provided
Youth and Students
Internship placements, job shadowing, mentorship, and scholarships.
Adults in Transition
Job placement, resume help, retraining in healthcare-related fields.
Alaska Natives
Customized training programs that include cultural components.
People with Disabilities
Support through accessible tools and personalized career coaching.
Low-Income Families
Financial aid for certifications and skill-based training programs.
Rural Residents
Mobile training units, online courses, and partnerships with local health agencies.
Major Initiatives and Services
Apprenticeship Expansion
Develops structured, paid learning experiences.
Focuses on in-demand fields like nursing, medical coding, and administration.
Community Health Worker (CHW) Training
Equips individuals to serve as health educators and liaisons in their communities.
Includes modules on prevention, chronic disease, and health equity.
Behavioral Health Workforce Development
Builds the capacity of community-based mental health and substance use professionals.
Offers training, licensing support, and remote supervision.
Partnership with Educational Institutions
Collaborates with University of Alaska and vocational schools.
Aligns curriculum with workforce needs in health and social care.
Workforce Training Tools
Tool
Description
Online Learning Platforms
Access to courses and certifications in health-related careers.
Simulation Labs
Realistic training environments for nursing and clinical skills.
Mobile Units
Training brought to remote villages and communities.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Used for immersive learning in caregiving and emergency care.
Career Portals
Job matching and application support for trainees.
Impact on Alaska’s Workforce
Higher Employment Rates
More individuals trained locally are filling health and social services roles.
Improved Community Care
Increased number of skilled care providers in under-served areas.
Youth Engagement
Early exposure to healthcare careers encourages students to stay in the state post-graduation.
Economic Growth
Skilled local workforce reduces the need to hire from out-of-state.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Partner
Contribution
Tribal Health Organizations
Shared resources for culturally relevant health training.
Alaska Department of Labor
Data sharing and employment trend analysis.
School Districts
Integration of career pathways into high school education.
Local Clinics and Hospitals
On-site apprenticeships and internships.
Federal Health Programs
Funding support and regulatory guidance.
Workforce Equity and Advocacy Efforts
Health Equity Focus
Ensures underrepresented groups have access to training and employment.
Language Access Services
Offers multilingual training materials and interpreters.
Disability Inclusion
Adapts all programs for full participation by individuals with physical or mental impairments.
Workplace Safety Advocacy
Promotes fair working conditions, proper protective equipment, and mental wellness in healthcare roles.
Challenges and Future Plans
Challenge
Planned Action
Geographic Isolation
Increase use of mobile and digital learning platforms.
High Turnover in Rural Areas
Offer retention bonuses and housing support for rural trainees.
Limited Resources
Leverage more federal grants and private sector sponsorships.
Licensing Barriers
Advocate for local testing centers and flexible qualification processes.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Rural Nursing Aide Graduate A young woman from a small village completed CHW training and now manages maternal care education in her area.
Youth Program Alumnus A high school student who joined the youth internship program became a certified emergency medical technician within two years.
Disability Program Participant A man with a spinal injury found new career options in medical coding after vocational rehabilitation.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Performance Tracking Tools Data is collected through surveys, interviews, and placement records.
Continuous Improvement Feedback from participants and employers is used to update and refine training content.
Impact Measurement Success is measured by job placement rates, wage increases, and long-term retention.
In Summary
AK Health and Social Services has built a model that strengthens communities by investing in people. Programs focused on real needs, inclusive access, and strong partnerships are creating long-lasting change in Alaska’s workforce. Continued innovation and commitment will ensure even more individuals have the opportunity to thrive in health and social service careers.
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