02/02/2016 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB125 | |
| SB148 | |
| Presentation: Department of Labor and Workforce Development Employment Efforts Related to the Gasline | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 125 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 148 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
February 2, 2016
1:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mia Costello, Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Vice Chair
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Johnny Ellis
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 125
"An Act adding legislative nonvoting members to the board of
directors of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 148
"An Act relating to reporting of workplace injuries to the
division of labor standards and safety."
- HEARD & HELD
Presentation: Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Employment Related to the Gasline
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 125
SHORT TITLE: LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS OF AGDC BOARD
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) COSTELLO
01/19/16 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/15/16
01/19/16 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/16 (S) L&C, RES
02/02/16 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 148
SHORT TITLE: EMPLOYER REPORT OF WORKPLACE INJURY/DEATH
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/19/16 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/16 (S) L&C
02/02/16 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
WESTON EILER, Staff
Senator Mia Costello
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 125 on behalf of the sponsor.
MILES BAKER, Vice President
External Affairs and Government Relations
Alaska Gas Development Corporation (AGDC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Reviewed the fiscal note to SB 125.
HEIDI DRYGAS, Commissioner
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 148 on behalf of the
administration.
GREY MITCHELL, Director
Labor Standards and Safety
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to SB 148.
HEIDI DRYGAS, Commissioner
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered a presentation on employment
related to the Gasline.
MIKE ANDREWS, Director
Division of Employment and Training Services
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Participated in the DOLWD presentation on
employment related to the Gasline.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:40:15 PM
CHAIR MIA COSTELLO called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Giessel, Ellis, Meyer, Stevens, and Chair
Costello.
SB 125-LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS OF AGDC BOARD
1:41:48 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of SB 125.
She passed the gavel to Vice Chair Giessel.
SENATOR MIA COSTELLO, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of 125,
explained that the bill expands the membership of the Alaska
Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) Board by adding one ex
officio, nonvoting member appointed by the president of the
Senate and one ex officio, nonvoting member appointed by the
speaker of the House of Representatives. The purpose of the bill
is to facilitate communication and a teamwork approach between
the AGDC Board and the legislature and help move the AKLNG
Project forward.
1:44:07 PM
WESTON EILER, staff, Senator Mia Costello, Alaska State
Legislature, stated that the bill amends Title 31 adding the
aforementioned new members who are appointed annually. This
substantive change is on page 1, line 11, through page 2, line
2. Sections 2-6 are conforming changes within Title 31
clarifying that elections within the board will be selected from
among the voting members.
He added that the AGDC Board currently consists of five public
members appointed by the governor and serving at his pleasure
and two commissioners of state departments appointed by the
governor and serving at his pleasure. The commissioners of the
Department of Revenue and the Department of Natural Resources
are prohibited from serving. That change in the law was enacted
with the passage of Senate Bill 138.
MR. EILER stated that as the AKLNG Project moves forward the
State of Alaska will face increasingly complex policy and
financing decisions. It is thus essential to have a transparent
and clear decision-making process in place. SB 125 helps
accomplish this. Having legislators participate in an advisory
capacity adds experience and continuity to the AGDC Board.
Legislators currently serve on over a dozen state boards and
commissions and state corporations so this model has precedent
in statute. The legislators will provide perspective and insight
and lets Alaska's elected policy makers better understand
aspects of state policymaking that AGDC is currently
undertaking. This will help improve their process for important
business decisions and the Project will be aided by legislative
service on the board. Adding the two legislators is a natural
step as the board is still grappling with large policy
decisions.
He concluded the introduction saying SB 125 strengthens and
diversifies the AGDC Board in advancing the AKLNG Project.
1:48:40 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked why the bill says "nonvoting" rather than
ex officio because other appointments to boards and commissions
use the latter term. He also asked why the members are appointed
annually when other board and commission appointments are for
two years.
MR. EILER answered that the language on page 1 was provided by
Legislative Legal. He explained that he refers to the members as
ex officio or advisory to illustrate the role that is envisioned
and intent of the bill. The sponsor can work with the committee
to address the length of the appointment.
SENATOR COSTELLO said she was willing to work with the committee
on the duration of the appointment and to look into the reason
that the term "nonvoting" was used as opposed to "ex officio."
SENATOR MEYER agreed with Senator Stevens that a two-year
appointment would provide more consistency.
VICE CHAIR GIESSEL noted that the suggestions came from a
presiding officer and a former presiding officer. She asked Mr.
Baker to briefly review the fiscal note.
1:50:58 PM
MILES BAKER, Vice President, External Affairs and Government
Relations, Alaska Gas Development Corporation (AGDC), Anchorage,
Alaska, stated that the fiscal note for SB 125 is zero. AGDC
does not expect the bill to affect the operating budget of the
corporation. Board expenses including the honorarium and
estimated travel expenses are built into the operating budget.
The expectation is that the legislative members would be handled
similar to two commissioners on the board. They travel under
their own budgets and are not entitled to the honorarium. AGDC
principally pays for just the public members.
VICE CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony and finding none,
closed it.
[SB 125 was held in committee.]
1:52:59 PM
At ease to transfer gavel.
SB 148-EMPLOYER REPORT OF WORKPLACE INJURY/DEATH
1:54:20 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SB 148.
HEIDI DRYGAS, Commissioner, Department of Labor and Workforce
Development (DOLWD), introduced SB 148 on behalf of the
administration. She read the following statement into the
record:
This legislation amends current workplace accident
reporting requirements to include incidents that
involve loss of an eye or amputation. These amendments
are necessary to keep pace with federal workplace
accident reporting standards that became effective
January 1, 2015.
Alaska operates an approved state plan under the
federal Occupation and Safety Health Act of 1970,
which requires that the state maintain standards that,
at a minimum, meet the federal standards. AS
18.60.030(6) also establishes that Alaska will
maintain requirements that are at least as effective
as those adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Federal OSHA made changes to accident reporting
requirements under federal regulation that took effect
on January 1, 2015. The changes require prompt
reporting of industrial accidents resulting in an
amputation or loss of an eye. Federal OSHA has
notified the State that failure to maintain
equivalency could jeopardize federal funding and the
State's jurisdiction over occupational safety and
health. SB [148] does just that.
1:56:29 PM
GREY MITCHELL, Director, Division of Labor Standards and Safety,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
introduced himself and offered to answer questions.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if the department currently keeps track of
the information about Alaskans who have suffered amputation or
the loss of an eye.
MR. MITCHELL replied the department tracks the incidents through
the Workers' Compensation Division, but there is no requirement
to report to the Occupational Safety and Health Office for
investigation purposes. But the incidents must be reported
within 10 days, primarily to determine benefits under Workers'
Compensation.
This new reporting requirement will allow a quick, 8-hour,
turnaround, primarily to investigate these more serious
accidents. The idea is to address the causes of those accidents
so they don't happen in the future.
SENATOR STEVENS asked what happens to the information after it's
collected.
MR. MITCHELL replied the data is used internally for
investigation purposes. It is not available to the public
without a special request.
SENATOR STEVENS asked if the department has to report to a
federal agency.
MR. MITCHEL answered that investigations are entered into a data
base that is available to their federal counterparts.
1:59:32 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if he has a preference for a particular
effective date.
MR. MITCHELL replied sooner would be better than later.
CHAIR COSTELLO stated her intention to work with the department
on an immediate effective date.
SENATOR STEVENS asked Mr. Mitchel if he was concerned about
additional costs due to the investigations.
MR. MITCHELL replied many of the accidents are already reported
and a small percentage are evaluated for investigation purposes.
For FY2015, there were 39 amputation incidents reported to
Workers' Compensation and zero loss of eye incidents. The
numbers aren't expected to be huge, he said.
2:02:20 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony. Finding none, she closed
it and held SB 148 in committee.
2:03:25 PM
At ease
^Presentation: Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Employment Efforts Related to the Gasline
Presentation: Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Employment Efforts Related to the Gasline
2:06:24 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and announced that
Commissioner Drygas would give a presentation on the Department
of Labor and Workforce Development Employment Efforts Related to
the Gasline
HEIDI DRYGAS, Commissioner, Department of Labor and Workforce
Development (DOLWD), stated the department's mission is to
"Protect workers and advance opportunities for employment." The
core services of the department are workforce development,
protecting workers, and income replacement.
The FY2017 budget request totaled approximately $165 million. It
is comprised of $23.9 million of unrestricted general funds,
$35.7 million of designated general funds, $20.4 million of
other state funds, and $85.4 million of federal funding.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS stated that the presentation will focus on
performance measures and return on investment for state-funded
programs, including the Alaska Vocational Technical Center
(AVTEC), State Training and Employment Program (STEP), Technical
and Vocational Education Program (TVEP), and Alaska Construction
Academy (ACA). She highlighted that the department had been
awarded several competitive federal grants that will help build
the state's healthcare workforce through apprenticeships, allow
AVTEC to develop new 4-6 week pre-apprenticeship programs and
keep job centers open in 2017.
2:08:36 PM
AVTEC's mission is to train a diverse and effective workforce
that supports the economic growth and stability of the state.
Its undesignated general funds and TVEP funding in FY2017 totals
$7.7 million. That is a reduction of $600,000 from FY2014
levels. AVTEC was able to accommodate this reduction by changing
the Allied Health Programs from longer term state-funded
programs to shorter term federally funded pre-apprenticeship
programs for entry-level healthcare occupations. FY2014 data
shows that of 370 AVTEC participants, 326 were employed in their
area of training one year after graduation. The employment and
earnings outcomes for FY2015 participants will be available next
year in the annual Training Program Performance Report.
The FY2014 funding for AVTEC totaled $8.2 million. There were
1,539 participants in both long- and short-term programs. The
cost per participant was $5,377.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if AVTEC students pay tuition.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS answered yes, and it is essentially offset
by state funds.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked why government is running a vocational
technical school when they're available in the private sector.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS replied it was a policy decision from 50
years ago. It serves a host of rural and urban Alaskans and
offers a wide variety of programs ranging from culinary arts to
welding to the state-of-the-art maritime simulator program. The
tuition is far less expensive than many of the private training
programs.
Prior to being housed in the DOLWD, AVTEC was in the Department
of Education. That change was made in the late 1990s or early
2000.
SENATOR GIESSEL said AVTEC was in her district at one time and
it's an outstanding program, but she questions why it's
subsidized by the state in the current economic times.
2:12:10 PM
SENATOR STEVENS said AVTEC was also in his district and it's an
excellent program that has produced jobs and helped village
residents. He asked why AVTEC changed its healthcare training
and if advanced nurse training is no longer offered.
2:12:53 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS explained that both the registered nurse
program and the licensed practical nurse program were extremely
expensive to administer per participant, were almost entirely
state-funded, and appeared to compete with the excellent
University of Alaska, Anchorage RN program. Based on those
considerations the AVTEC program changed its approach to focus
on entry level healthcare occupations. The idea is to give
students exposure to these entry-level positions and create a
pathway in healthcare which will help improve the quality of
healthcare delivered in Alaska. This also gives "more bang for
the buck."
CHAIR COSTELLO asked her to speak to the current role AVTEC has
in the AKLNG Project.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said the collaboration between AVTEC and
AKLNG has been impressive and AKLNG is absolutely part of
AVTEC's workforce development plan. There have been ongoing
meetings about the training that AVTEC can provide and AKLNG has
spent several weeks looking at the AVTEC programs. The Marine
Simulator Program already has helped with AKLNG port mapping.
MIKE ANDREWS, Director, Employment and Training Services,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), added
that AVTEC plays an essential role in the development of the
Alaska natural gas pipeline and will converge in the
occupational training in areas like heavy mechanics, industrial
welding, and electrical. Maritime occupations are also expected
to soar under the gasline and there is a lot of support and
capacity for that at AVTEC. The workforce researchers for the
owners of the project have spent a lot of time at AVTEC looking
at its potential capacity, particularly because it's residential
based and people can come from all over the state.
SENATOR STEVENS commented that timing is everything. "You
wouldn't want to train folks now for jobs that don't exist, but
you want to be able to have Alaskans in those jobs when the time
arrives." He asked for an estimate of the number of people that
AVTEC can train for the LNG Project.
CHAIR COSTELLO suggested Commissioner Drygas proceed and return
to the question later in the presentation.
2:18:00 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS continued the presentation pointing out that
FY2014 data shows that of the 370 long-term AVTEC participants,
326 were employed in their area of training one year after
graduation. That is an 88 percent employment rate.
SENATOR MEYER asked if there is data to show where the graduates
are employed.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS replied that information is tracked and
she'd provide it to the committee.
CHAIR COSTELLO questioned how to improve the employment rate
from a B+ to an A, and asked if the department tracks the people
who don't have employment a year after graduation.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS answered that a hole was created when the
employment specialist left AVTEC, but recruitment efforts to
fill the position are underway. She agreed to supply the
requested information if it's available.
CHAIR COSTELLO assumed that the employment rate was in the 90s
in previous years when the employment specialist was in the
position.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said she would have those numbers by the end
of the hearing.
2:20:28 PM
SENATOR STEVENS commented that he was impressed that AVTEC
participants not only learn a trade but also a work ethic. He
didn't believe it matters if an AVTEC participant gets a job in
the area for which they received training or another area.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said she appreciates the comment because
AVTEC does focus on soft skills. Employers have said that they
can train anyone that already has these skills; they're very
important.
2:22:19 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO agreed soft skills are important and reiterated
her interest in knowing where AVTEC graduates reside.
2:22:58 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS displayed a chart that compares the average
earnings one year before AVTEC training to the average earnings
one year after AVTEC training is complete. On average,
participants earn 20 percent more after AVTEC training.
She also reported that for FY2015, AVTEC's UGF and TVEP funding
totaled about $8.3 million; 1602 individuals received training
for an average cost per participant of $5,161. She reminded the
members that AVTEC students are enrolled in both long-term and
short-term programs and are provided housing and meals.
2:24:09 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS reviewed the State Training and Employment
Program (STEP). Its purpose is to enhance the quality and
accessibility of job training, and re-employment assistance to
unemployed and underemployed workers. STEP increases Alaska hire
by providing training to unemployed Alaskans in high demand
occupations. The program is funded by 0.10 percent of employee
contributions to the Alaska Unemployment Insurance (UI) trust
fund. In FY2014, STEP received $7 million in grant funding and
had 2,540 participants, for a per participant cost of $2,785.One
year after graduating from STEP training, 2,287 individuals or
90 percent were employed.
On average, STEP graduates earn $50,623 which is 16 percent more
than the average earnings one year before STEP training.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked for additional information about how STEP
training works.
MR. ANDREWS explained that STEP is primarily a grant program.
Employers, nonprofits and others compete for grants in order to
improve their workforce in a variety of occupations. About two-
thirds of the UI funding is allocated to the competitive grants
and about one-third goes for the reports the legislature
requires and the job centers to train unemployed individuals.
There are about 45 grant applications each year and most receive
funding. Responding to a further question, he said the grants
range from $400,000 to $25,000 and go to train individuals in
the tourism, retail, construction and health care sectors. He
provided a chart for distribution to the committee.
SENATOR STEVENS asked where STEP training takes place.
MR. ANDREWS replied there are grantees in all parts of the
state. The program has been in existence for about 25 years and
is well-known among employers and others doing workforce
training.
2:28:05 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS displayed a chart showing the earnings
differences, over time, between students that received STEP
training in 2006 and the UI claimants that were eligible for
STEP training in 2006, but did not participate. The individuals
who received STEP training, on average, earned $62,433 in 2014
while those who did not participate in STEP training, on
average, earned $33,078.
In FY2015, STEP received roughly $7.9 million; 3,235 Alaskans
received training (695 more than FY2014) for an average cost per
participant of $2,432 (down approximately $300 per person from
FY2014). "Basically, we're working hard to get more bang for our
buck with STEP training dollars," she said.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if the Alaskans who participate in STEP
training are self-selected.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS explained that the staff of the Division of
Employment Training Services and the Alaska Workforce Investment
Board review the grant funding applications using a list of
criteria including an underserved population, high demand
occupations and the cost of training per participant. Most of
the programs get funded.
MR. ANDREWS added that it's a very fluid system for individuals
who basically choose themselves to receive the training. A grant
applicant can put out an outreach and recruitment plan as part
of their proposal, some participants need addition training to
keep their job, and some are new trainees. The job centers
generally see the individuals that walk through the door, are
eligible for services, and see an opportunity to receive
training through the university or AVTEC or private sector
eligible training providers.
CHAIR COSTELLO said she asked because there are people who are
eligible for training and for some reason choose not to take
advantage of that opportunity.
MR. ANDREWS responded that there isn't enough money to
accommodate all the applicants that need this type of service.
"I think there would be tens of thousands of eligible
individuals who would sign up for training if the resources were
there."
SENATOR COSTELLO asked what percentage of grant funds are used
for administrative purposes.
2:33:17 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS offered to follow up with the information.
SENATOR STEVENS restated the importance of soft skills and
described it as a failure in the school system when students
graduate without those skills. He asked if she would be
interested in ensuring that every program participant has those
very basic skills.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS replied it's a possibility and a worthy goal
for all students to have those necessary soft skills when they
leave high school. She said one way to have students better
prepared to enter the workforce when they exit high school is to
increase funding for career and technical education (CTE) for
schools. "There are statistics that show that students that
receive at least two CTE courses in high school, have a much
higher graduation rate than students who do not receive CTE
courses." More and more she hears about the need to emphasize
vocational workforce development training.
CHAIR COSTELLO said she believes it's important for the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to work
more closely with the Department of Education and Early
Development to train young people for jobs whether they are
going on the university or a vocational training program. "If I
had my way I'd combine the departments because they have the
same mission," she said.
SENATOR STEVENS agreed.
2:38:40 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said she agrees and has talked about these
ideas with Commissioner Hanley. "We are working to improve that
relationship," she said.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS reviewed the Technical Vocational Education
Program (TCEP). Its purpose is to enhance the quality and
accessibility of job training across the state, and align
training with regional workforce demands. TVEP is funded with
0.16 percent of employee contributions to the Alaska
unemployment insurance trust fund. The distribution of the funds
is designated in statute between the University of Alaska,
AVTEC, the Alaska Technical Center, Ahmanson Education Center,
Ilisagvik College in Barrow, Northwest Alaska Technical
Education Center, Partners for Progress in Delta, Southwest
Alaska Vocational Education Center, and Yuut Elitnaurviat in
Bethel.
In FY2014, the funding for TVEP was $10.8 million; 7,881 people
participated in the program resulting in a cost per participant
of $1,365. One year after receiving TVEP training, 74 percent or
5,851 of the participants were employed in Alaska.
She displayed a chart showing average earnings one year before
TVEP training and one year after TVEP training. One year after
training, the average annual increase is $2,017 or eight
percent. In FY2015, the funding for TVEP was about $12 million;
grant recipients trained 11,000 high school students and adults;
and the average cost per participant was $1,079. Performance
reports for employment and earnings for these participants will
be provided next February in the annual TVEP report.
2:40:48 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS reviewed the Alaska Construction Academy
(ACA) program. Its purpose is to promote an understanding of
construction trades and develop a strong, flexible workforce for
the varied industries that rely on construction in Alaska. The
ACA is funded by an unrestricted general fund grant. In FY2014,
that grant totaled $3.25 million. Funding has since been
significantly reduced. In FY2016 it was $2.6 million and in
FY2017 it was $2 million. Most of the reductions have been in
youth training, based on legislative input, primarily from the
House, that the department should focus on adult training. In
FY2014, $955,000 was spent on adult training; 424 participated
in the program for a cost per adult participant of $2,252.
One year after ACA training, 323 of the participants or 76
percent were employed in Alaska. A chart of the earnings one
year before ACA training and one year after shows that earnings,
on average, increased $6,429 or 32 percent.
In FY2015, funding for the ACA was $3.3 million. Of that amount,
$1.3 million was allocated to training 708 adults for an average
cost of $1,927 per participant.
2:43:51 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS discussed workforce planning for a gasline
project. She said the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation
(AGDC) is proposing two projects to commercialize North Slope
gas. These are the AKLNG and ASAP projects. She disclosed that
she serves on the AGDC Board.
AKLNG is the state's priority project and ASAP is the backup,
but both are large-scale projects that will require a trained
Alaskan workforce for completion. AKLNG is estimated to cost
between $45 billion and $65 billion and take five years to
build. At its peak, it will require a workforce of 9,000 to
15,000 workers and 1,000 workers for ongoing operations. The
latter are known as legacy jobs.
The department is developing a workforce plan to prepare the
state for either project. A stakeholder meeting was held in
October 2015 at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center. The
turnout was very good with representation from contractors,
joint apprenticeship training committees, career and technical
educators, labor unions, government agencies, AGDC, and AKLNG.
This coming April, two more public stakeholder meetings are
scheduled in Kenai and Anchorage. The goal is to have a draft
plan complete by June 2016.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if the draft plan is the AKLNG labor study.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said she was referring to a DOLWD study. The
AKLNG labor study is a separate study that AKLNG is doing for
the project.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if, as commissioner, she has provided
information to the AGDC Board about the challenge of finding
15,000 Alaskans with the specific skills that are needed.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said she hadn't brought it to the board that
way. Her approach has been to say that the department is working
hard in conjunction with partners in the private sector,
regional training centers and other entities trying to meet that
need. Labor force demand certainly will outstrip supply in
Alaska, but every effort will be made to have a significant
number of those workers be from Alaska, skilled ready to go on
the project. She agreed with Senator Steven's earlier comment
about timing and described this as a ramping up effort.
Construction is several years away, but there is a lot of
groundwork to lay to ensure that the ramp up happens in the
right timeframe. She committed to brief the AGDC Board at the
appropriate time. She emphasized that the department takes very
seriously the task of ensuring a skilled workforce. "Workforce
development is part of our mission."
CHAIR COSTELLO asked her to explain the three different plans,
the reason for the separate plans, and who is providing
information about the workers in Alaska for those plans. "It
seems like there is an opportunity for efficiency that we're
possibly not taking advantage of."
2:49:26 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said AKLNG decided to do its own labor study
even though they were informed that the department has a
significant amount of the information that they need. They have
collaborated with the department along the way, but that is the
course they decided on. With regard to the department's plan,
she said workforce development is at the heart of what the
department does and oil and gas is just one of a host of plans.
She agreed that efficiency is important and expressed optimism
that the two plans could be married at some point. She deferred
further comment to Mr. Andrews.
2:50:30 PM
MR. ANDREWS explained that the owners of the project are doing
their own planning for the large pipeline because of the volume
of information they're required to submit for the environmental
impact statement (EIS) and other permitting. Much of that
information is proprietary. The department has met informally
with the project owners to discuss the scope of the project and
the parameters for the workforce. The parameters are similar for
the ASAP Project so there is no need to write two plans. It's
clear that the demand for Alaskan workers will outstrip the
supply so the focus is on those long-term career jobs and how to
move people from middle and high school into those good jobs.
The dialog is expected to be more open later in the spring after
the project owners have submitted the EIS and other forms. The
meeting last October was to begin to frame what the department
wants to see inside a long-term workforce plan. That's what the
stakeholder meetings are for. "But we're certainly trying not to
duplicate any of the planning because that just wouldn't make
sense," he said.
SENATOR STEVENS asked who will train the trainers for the
estimated 15,000 strong workforce and where they will come from.
MR. ANDREWS said he didn't believe the state will focus on
training the entire workforce. Part of the labor study is to
look at other states where the industry is strong and workers
might be available. More instructors certainly will be needed
and yet to be made technology tools and skills will play a big
part.
CHAIR COSTELLO commented that the issue of the plan, workforce
numbers, and how it will pan out is critical. The state doesn't
want to miss the opportunity to train young Alaskans today for
jobs on the gasline project tomorrow. "We will have failed if
that occurs," because the workers for this project are not
coming from the job centers today; they're coming from today's
elementary schools. She restated her view that DOLWD and DEED
have a common focus and expressed appreciation that the
commissioners were working cooperatively. "If the legislature
can facilitate that in any way, please let us know," she said.
She also voiced interest in hearing more about any common
initiatives.
2:55:53 PM
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS returned to the presentation to highlight
the workforce development strategies for success. These include:
supporting existing training programs; expanding vocational and
technical education programs; develop career awareness among
students, parents and school counselors; partner with industry
on outreach to students and training providers; and focus on
legacy jobs.
CHAIR COSTELLO recognized that Senator Bishop was in the
audience.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said Alaska has significant in-state
training capacity for priority occupations and supporting those
can be attained by incentivizing employers to hire apprentices.
State and federal support is also critical. The state must
continue to support education as an investment and pathway to
project success. Young people need to be engaged earlier and
encouraged to seek careers in construction and technical fields.
Developing career awareness among students, parents and school
counselors was emphasized during the stakeholder meeting in
Fairbanks. Alaska needs more exposure to opportunities in
technical careers. An emphasis on math and other skills for
acceptance into apprenticeship and vocational programs is also
essential. It's also important to build on the programs that
focus on post-secondary, vocational and technical skills,
including pre-apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship and CTE
training. Partnering with industry on outreach to students and
training providers is another important component. Linking
vocational and technical education to real work environments is
a critical piece of training, as is expanding partnerships
between school districts and business. Finally, the department
will focus on the estimated 1,000 legacy jobs because they
provide long-term career opportunities for Alaskans. They are
critical for ongoing operations and maintenance of the gasline.
COMMISSIONER DRYGAS said the foregoing are the key things the
department is working on. She related that she was buoyed by the
input from the October stakeholder meeting and hopes to attend
the April meetings in Anchorage and Kenai.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Commissioner Drygas for the presentation.
2:59:22 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Costello adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 2:59 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 125.PDF |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 125 |
| SB 125 - Fiscal Note.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 125 |
| SB 125 - AGDC Board Roster.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 125 |
| SB 148.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 148 |
| SB 148 - Transmittal Letter.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 148 |
| SB 148 - Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 148 |
| SB 148 - Fiscal Note - DOLWD.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 148 |
| 2016.02.02 - DOLWD Workforce Planning Pamphlet.PDF |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
DOLW&D |
| 2016.02.02 - DOLWD Presentation.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
DOLW&D |
| 2016.02.02 - Legislative Membership State Boards and Commissions.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
|
| 2016.02.02 AGDC Board for AK Boards & Commissions.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SB 125 - Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SL&C 2/2/2016 1:30:00 PM |
SB 125 |