Striving to Thrive: Addressing Outmigration through Workforce Development

Take the telecom sector as an example. We all depend on reliable internet and phone service for work, school, healthcare, and emergency communication. However, maintaining and upgrading networks requires skilled technicians who know Alaska’s unique geography and challenges. If we can’t find enough qualified workers locally because too many have moved away, network issues can go unresolved longer, causing frustration and potential safety risks.

This isn’t just an inconvenience—it can have real consequences. Communication networks keep us unified, from coordinating disaster response to enabling telemedicine and keeping families connected across distances. When they degrade, everyone feels it.

What’s the answer? How do we keep our young people here and build a workforce that can support Alaska’s future?

Meaningful Reasons to Stay

At MTA, we’re investing in apprenticeship and internship programs as well as local education initiatives explicitly designed to train and retain Alaskans in high-demand technical roles.

We partnered with other telecommunication companies in Alaska last year to create more awareness around apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning with paid on-the-job training. These programs give individuals the opportunity to build essential skills while earning a competitive wage—around $90,000 per year on average for graduates—along with great benefits like healthcare, paid time off, and pension plans.

But it’s not just about wages and benefits. It’s about showing young Alaskans that there are rewarding career paths right here at home that can provide long-term stability and growth. It’s about giving them the tools, support, and encouragement to stay and grow their careers in our state.

Internships are another important part of this effort. MTA’s program gives local students and early-career professionals the chance to gain real-world experience and build connections in the industry—opportunities that have a strong track record of leading to long-term employment within the organization.

Beyond apprenticeships and internships, we also run community outreach programs like our Youth Technology Tour, which brings students from rural communities, including places in the MTA service area like the Native Village of Eklutna and the Traditional Village of Chickaloon, into the world of tech careers. These hands-on experiences aim to spark interest and excitement in often overlooked fields but have enormous potential here in Alaska.

Workforce development creates a ripple effect across industries. When businesses have access to local, well-trained talent, they can grow, innovate, and provide more services and jobs. That growth supports the community through increased economic activity and more robust infrastructure, which benefits everyone from remote workers to small business owners trying to stay connected with customers.

Building a strong workforce here encourages people to invest their lives here. When you know there are good jobs, training opportunities, and a supportive community, you’re more likely to stay—or even come back if you’ve left.

A United Front

Addressing outmigration is a shared responsibility—one that requires everyone from small business owners and educators to local governments and community leaders to play a role. It’s going to take a united, intentional effort to keep Alaskans here and bring others back.

One powerful way businesses and organizations can make a difference is by investing in local education and training. When we support schools, vocational programs, and apprenticeships, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable talent pipeline to serve our communities long-term.

Creating clear and meaningful career pathways is just as important. People want to know there’s a future for them in Alaska—a chance to grow, thrive, and build a life. When companies offer roles that lead to real advancement and stability, it gives individuals a reason to stay.

We also need to foster a culture of innovation and resilience. That means embracing change, encouraging creativity, and staying connected to the needs of our communities. When people feel supported and inspired, they’re more likely to invest in their futures here.

Alaska’s natural beauty, tight-knit communities, and unique lifestyle are also major assets. By highlighting the quality of life here—not just the jobs—we can show people why Alaska is worth choosing.

Whether through alumni networks, job fairs, or targeted incentives, creating pathways for former residents to return home can be a powerful part of rebuilding our population and strengthening our economy. Many former Alaskans still feel a deep connection to their hometowns. With the right opportunities, they may be ready to return and reinvest in the communities that shaped them. It’s about making that return feel both possible and worthwhile.

Achieving that future will require collaboration across sectors. By working together, sharing ideas, and investing in people, we can create a stronger foundation—one where Alaskans have the opportunity to stay, grow, and build meaningful lives right here at home.

When Alaska’s workforce thrives, our communities grow stronger—and that’s something we all benefit from.