Department of Labor and Workforce Development releases updated workforce analysis for the Alaska LNG Project

Aug. 10, 2026
No. 26-15

JUNEAU - Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) announces the release of its updated workforce analysis for the Alaska LNG Project. The analysis provides an updated assessment of Alaska's workforce readiness for the Alaska LNG Project and other major infrastructure developments. It identifies projected workforce demand, evaluates Alaska's existing training capacity, and highlights opportunities to maximize Alaska resident participation through strategic workforce investments.

The analysis also considers the workforce needs of other prospective projects, including the Donlin Gold Mine, Graphite One, Port of Nome, among other projects, that could be under construction during the same time as the Alaska LNG Project. The analysis outlines the projected workforce needs over the two proposed phases of the Alaska LNG Project.

"Alaskans are about to be a part of a new exciting chapter in the history of our great state," said Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy. "Any Alaskan who wants to work on the Alaska LNG Project will have an opportunity to play a role in this great effort. I encourage all Alaskans who are interested to speak with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development about getting career training so that they can be ready when the project begins."

Key findings include:

• Peak construction demand could reach approximately 6,600 workers for AKLNG alone and up to approximately 8,600 workers statewide when concurrent projects are included.
• Current workforce demand is expected to exceed existing workforce and training output, making early coordination and strategic investment critical to maximizing Alaska hire.
• Early, coordinated investment in training and workforce participation strategies will be necessary to maximize Alaska hire.

The analysis is intended to serve as a decision-support resource for policymakers, industry, educators, and workforce partners as Alaska prepares for potential Alaska LNG construction and other major infrastructure projects.

"This report shows Alaska starts from a position of strength," said Commissioner Cathy Muñoz. "We have a robust network of apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, university system, and workforce partners already preparing Alaskans for high-demand careers. Our focus now is investing in and aligning those resources with future industry needs so as many Alaskans as possible are ready to benefit from these opportunities."

Northern Industrial Training LLC, prepared the analysis for the Alaska Workforce Investment Board, and based on broad survey responses from registered apprenticeship programs, unions, postsecondary institutions, career and technical education programs, and Alaska Native training and education foundations.

You can read the analysis on the Alaska Workforce Investment Board's website.