WHEREAS, older workers play an increasingly important role in maintaining Alaska’s economy and leadership in the global marketplace, adding depth in perspective, social networks, and talent; and
WHEREAS, seniors represent a growing percentage of the state’s population with many working past retirement age, and are becoming an increasingly important segment of our workforce. Alaskans age 55 and older represent 22% of the workforce, up from 18% in the 2010 Census; and
WHEREAS, many seniors find value through work, and bring assets to the workplace such as a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, a lifetime of valuable career skills and technical knowledge, as well as maturity that assists in mentoring new employees, promoting resiliency, and reducing turnover; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training program, a community service and work-based job training program for qualifying older adults, assists older workers with finding unsubsidized employment; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in partnership with the Alaska Commission on Aging, are working together to launch “Strengthen Alaska’s Workforce by Employing the Older Worker” to raise awareness about the value of this labor segment and to develop innovative strategies that assist older workers obtain employable skills and find appropriate work in today’s job market.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael J. Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 23-28, 2019 as:
Employ Older Workers Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the contributions that older workers make to the workplace and economy, and to urge those who are engaged in job placement, training, and related services to intensify their efforts to help Alaskan seniors find suitable jobs and training.
