f you live in Alaska, you’ve likely felt the impact of population changes across our communities. For more than a decade, more people were moving out of the state than moving in.
Recently, there’s been a small but promising shift. According to new estimates from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Alaska’s population grew by 2,274 people from 2023 to 2024—a 0.3 percent increase that brought us above 741,000 residents for the first time since 2018.
That’s encouraging news and worth celebrating. However, it’s essential to understand that, while the overall population ticked up, outmigration is still an issue—especially in rural communities and among younger Alaskans leaving for school or work and not returning. The slight bump in population doesn’t mean the trend has reversed across the board. For many industries, including technology, the challenge of finding and keeping local talent remains very real.
When people leave the state, they’re often looking for opportunities that feel out of reach here at home—jobs, education, affordable housing, or maybe a different lifestyle. But the problem is that when too many leave, it’s not just a personal loss, it’s a loss for the entire community.
Small towns and rural communities feel this loss the most. When young people head off to college or to other states and don’t return, local businesses suddenly have a smaller pool of workers to draw from. Finding qualified people to fill good jobs becomes harder, especially in industries like technology that are vital to our state’s infrastructure and economy.
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.
What’s the answer? How do we keep our young people here and build a workforce that can support Alaska’s future?
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.
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.
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.