Did You Know 96% of graduates from UA’s 46 Construction Programs Stay in Alaska to Build the State’s Future?
September 24, 2024
With Alaska poised for new infrastructure projects, the University of Alaska is stepping up to ensure the state has the workforce it needs. Through a $800,000 partnership between UA and industry leaders, the next generation of construction professionals is already taking shape.
This $800,000 Construction Management Workforce Initiative is not just about numbers—it's about people. It’s a partnership built on vision and leadership. Meg Nordale, President of GHEMM Company and Chair of the UA Foundation Board of Directors, has been a driving force behind the effort. Concerned about the state's workforce shortages, Nordale joined forces with UA President Pat Pitney to address this urgent need. Together, they formed a coalition of industry leaders and university representatives to bridge the gap between industry demands and UA's construction management programs.
“We are building more than structures; we’re building futures,” said Nordale, who facilitated the initiative’s committee. The team’s focus has been clear: raise awareness of career pathways, increase access to education, and ensure that UA students are equipped with job-ready skills.
The Impact of Partnerships
The initiative has garnered widespread support, exceeding the $800,000 goal and raising
nearly $900,000 to expand UA’s capacity to train the next generation of construction
professionals. Helga and Bill Watterson, longtime UA advocates, were among the first
to invest in this future, contributing $50,000 and inspiring others to follow their
lead. Nearly $500,000 in private donations have poured in from industry leaders, and
UA itself committed $400,000 to support this critical workforce development. Donors like Watterson have expressed that they plan to continue hiring UA graduates
and are pleased with the expertise of these programs.
But the initiative’s impact isn’t just measured in dollars. Since Fall 2022, enrollment in construction management and related programs at UAA, UAF, and UAS has surged, a testament to the growing interest in these fields and UA’s ability to meet Alaska’s workforce needs.
Growing Alaska’s Talent
One of the initiative’s most notable achievements is keeping talent close to home.
A remarkable 96.2% of UA’s construction program graduates remain in Alaska, helping to fill key roles in industries ranging from transportation to resource
extraction. These graduates are not just building Alaska’s infrastructure, but investing
in and building up their communities, as well.
With 46 programs across UA's three main campuses, the university has produced over 3,800 graduates since 2011, and many now work in construction-related fields. And the future looks even brighter: the average salary for graduates ranges from $67,590 for certificates, $82,805 for associates, and $110,106 for bachelor’s and beyond.
Building a Path Forward
The Construction Management Workforce Initiative isn’t just about boosting enrollment—it’s
about creating real opportunities. From expanded internship programs that give students
hands-on experience early in their academic journey to flexible, fully online programs
that make education more accessible for non-traditional students, UA is adapting to
meet the needs of Alaska’s workforce. The university is also actively recruiting new
faculty to ensure students receive top-tier instruction aligned with industry demands.
“By investing in UA’s construction programs, we’re investing in the future of Alaska,” said President Pitney. “These students will go on to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s infrastructure for decades to come.”
As Alaska faces a wave of new infrastructure projects, the University of Alaska remains committed to producing skilled, homegrown talent ready to meet these challenges head-on.
Go Deeper:
To learn more about UA's construction programs and how you can support future workforce
initiatives the 2023 Workforce Reports.