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Seafood Industry Revs Up To Hire And Train Alaskans

Apr. 14, 2003
No. 03-13

Labor Department Encourages Better Jobs for Alaskans

Juneau -- Commissioner Greg O'Claray of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD) today announced that the department is working closer than ever before with one of the state's largest industries to offer immediate jobs that lead to better jobs for Alaskans.

The seafood processing industry is one of the largest private sector businesses in Alaska, employing tens of thousands of workers each year. Seafood employers are currently gearing up for the upcoming herring processing season which is followed by both the salmon and pollock processing seasons. Some of the available jobs are aboard at-sea processors while others are located at shore-based processing plants and hatchery facilities. The industry will also be looking for workers to fill positions such as refrigeration mechanic, dock supervisor, production supervisor, salmon roe production supervisor, quality assurance technician and office manager-all of which offer competitive rates of pay.

Additionally, some seafood companies offer transportation and incentives and bonus pay upon completion of contracts.

"Right now we have 75 job orders from seafood companies with openings from Dutch Harbor to Bristol Bay to Wrangell, as well as at-sea positions for anyone who needs immediate summer employment," said O'Claray. "If you're at least 18 years of age, this is a great opportunity to earn lots of money in a short time along with getting a start in an industry that offers great potential for bonus pay, upward movement, and training for higher skilled jobs."

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development intends to use its workforce development resources to emphasize the potential the seafood industry has for career pathways, stable employment and increased earnings for Alaskans. Interested workers are encouraged to apply early in April through any of the Department's 22 statewide Alaska Job Centers, or by clicking on "Seafood Jobs" at the Alaska Job Bank website, jobs.alaska.gov. A complete schedule for when seafood companies will be conducting in-person interviews at the Anchorage, Midtown, Juneau, Ketchikan, Fairbanks, Sitka, Kodiak and Bethel-YK Delta Job Centers is also available on the Alaska Job Bank site by clicking on "Seafood Recruitment Announcements."

To set up an interview with a seafood employer in Anchorage call (907) 269-4775 or (907) 269-4708, or for general information about industry job opportunities and recruitments statewide, call 1-800-473-0688 or visit "Seafood Jobs" on the Alaska Job Bank at jobs.alaska.gov.

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