It's more than an attempt to keep money from going out of state, it's an attempt to keep rural Alaskans from having to leave their homes for a job opportunity. One outreach program plans to do just that, while giving residents a chance to build on their community. One of the drawbacks to living in rural Alaska is not having an information network for new opportunities. However, the Alaska Works Partnership is working towards constructing one, so residents can participate in construction projects of their own. The apprenticeship outreach opportunities often include positions as asbestos workers, plumbers, bricklayers and others.
Organizers say the outreach is one way to prepare residents for openings in their community.
The Alaska Works Initiative will participate in a number of activities meant to expand and coordinate recruitment efforts made by various organizations. Though the initiative was signed only two weeks ago, all groups have already started to receive positive feedback. Originally, it was the Chamber of Commerce, then it was KIAK radio, but now someone has taken it from them. Well, once upon a time, while cruising in the radio station vehicle, KIAK's JB Carnahan found the Golden Days Jail unlocked and unguarded. Two listeners brought a ball and hitch so that he could relocate the jail to the station's back lot.