The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner announced the launch of AlaskaJobs over the weekend, a comprehensive employment system that will modernize access to employment and training opportunities throughout the state.
AlaskaJobs replaces six disparate systems, making it easier for employers to list jobs, job seekers to find job postings, training information, educational opportunities, and financial aid resources. Users can log in through their myAlaska account, eliminating the need to maintain additional credentials.
James Harvey of the Alaska Department of Labor told KSRM News that AlaskaJobs is the evolution of a trend towards digital job-connection measures that has been in the works, but that it works alongside existing Alaska Job Center locations: “This connection, virtually, is something that we’ve been moving towards for a long time. In fact, we’re launching a new system right now for our labor exchange services called AlaskaJobs. That’s going to be a new way for job-seekers and employers to connect on the labor exchange side, which is job-to-job and resume-to-job, and that kind of thing. As we progress on with this, of course, our Job Center locations, which we’re still operating of course, although we’re not taking public traffic at this time, I have staff there. They’re answering phones, they’re dealing with working with customers, employers, and job-seekers via distance right now. For local area employers, I know you’re down on the peninsula area, that would definitely be with our Kenai Job Center there.”
AlaskaJobs provides enhanced services to four constituencies: job seekers, employers, training providers, and grant recipients.
- Job seekers and individuals can easily search and view thousands of job postings based on select criteria including skills, values, and interests. Information on labor market data, financial aid, training, and educational programs is easily accessible. AlaskaJobs also includes a powerful tool for crafting compelling resumes.
- Employers have access to dynamic recruiting tools to conduct targeted searches for workers based on skills, education, and experience listed on resumes. They can apply for Work Opportunity Tax Credits, and access a variety of employer services available through the job centers and web based means.
- Providers and training entities can update their training program information with real time data to ensure individuals seeking training are aware of programs and credentials offered. Additionally they can complete performance reports and apply for eligible training provider status to qualify for federally funded training grants.
- To help grantee staff and sub-recipients, AlaskaJobs will house grant funded participant activities, with easy to read case management dashboards, communication and reporting tools, streamlining and enhancing the delivery of the grant funded workforce development services.
Alaska’s new employment system can be found at alaskajobs.alaska.gov.