Labor department AGIA training report gets national recognition

The Alaska Department of Labor’s Research and Analysis section has been recognized for its contributions to the “AGIA Training Strategic Plan — A Call to Action” by two national organizations, Labor said in a late December press release.

“Our training plan shows the way for us to close the Alaskan skills gap and prepare a workforce for this century,” Labor and Workforce Commissioner Clark “Click” Bishop said. “Especially in today’s economy, we need to have Alaskans prepared to build a gas pipeline.”

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies recognized the report with one of 15 nationwide Labor Market Information Awards, lauding the work in the category of special studies and economic analysis as an innovative example of outstanding product development, Labor said in its release.

“The Research and Analysis staff helps track and explain area, state and national economic conditions, which helps provide a platform to plan workforce development and job training programs,” said Brynn Keith, head of the Research and Analysis Section.

The report was also recognized by the Analyst Resource Center, or ARC, which presented 14 national awards in the category of economic development.

ARC is a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and the states to enhance information delivery to workforce customers in the employment, education and economic development sectors.

—Petroleum News