More than 850 students attended Alaska Construction Career Day in Palmer

Alaska's construction industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled workers, with employers reporting average five-year retention of just 30% across nine priority trades and women making up fewer than 5% of the workforce in those fields, according to research commissioned by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' Office of Civil Rights. The study says early outreach to students could help close that gap.

More than 850 students toured construction trade booths at Raven Hall in Palmer during the 2026 Alaska Construction Career Day, the department said in a wrap-up notice Wednesday. Students came from the Anchorage and Mat-Su Borough school districts and from rural, private and other schools. More than 30 schools and 45 vendors took part at the Alaska State Fairgrounds site in April, with 26 vendors offering hands-on activities.

"Our office worked hard to make this event possible and we appreciate everyones support," said Zhenia C. Peterson, who manages the department's disadvantaged business enterprise and on-the-job training programs.

The Associated General Contractors of Alaska, an industry association that helped staff the event, said in a LinkedIn post that the event gave students insight into what a career in the trades can look like.

The study projects Alaska will outpace national growth between 2022 and 2032 in nine priority construction occupations, including electrical workers.

The 2027 career day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, with registration and planning information expected in December 2026.