Tlingit & Haida is proud to celebrate a new workforce development partnership alongside the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), JAG Marine Group, and state workforce partners. This agreement marks a significant step toward expanding career pathways and economic opportunity for Alaskans in the shipyard, maritime, and related trades.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Tlingit & Haida’s Generations Southeast Community Learning Center will work collaboratively with AIDEA and JAG Marine Group to deliver high-quality vocational training and workforce preparation tailored to the needs of Alaska’s maritime economy. AIDEA owns the Ketchikan Shipyard, and JAG Marine Group operates shipyard facilities in Seward and Ketchikan, where demand for skilled workers continues to grow.
Generations Southeast brings deep regional experience in workforce development, culturally grounded education, and community-centered training programming. Supported by Tlingit & Haida, Sealaska Corporation, and the State of Alaska, Generations Southeast’s network of facilities and virtual learning platforms will help ensure Alaskans have access to the skills and credentials needed to fill well-paying jobs right here in Alaska.
“Strong workforce development starts with listening to industry and building training that leads directly to good jobs,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “This partnership is a model for how leadership, industry and state partners can work together to strengthen Southeast Alaska’s workforce capacity while supporting long-term regional economic growth.”
Chas Edwardson, Director of Generations Southeast, said, “Partnerships are critical to connecting vocational training to real, immediate workforce needs, and this agreement delivers. By aligning Generations Southeast with industry demand in marine repair and construction, we’re creating clear pathways to family-wage jobs and supporting long-term economic growth in Southeast Alaska.”
This partnership also highlights the value of cross-sector cooperation in addressing Alaska’s workforce challenges, from expanding technical and trade skills, to supporting economic resilience in rural and urban communities alike.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and key state legislators have voiced support for the initiative, noting its potential to strengthen Southeast Alaska’s economy and provide stable career pathways for future generations.
About Generations Southeast
Generations Southeast is a workforce development and vocational education initiative operated by Tlingit & Haida. With a mission to expand access to skills training, career readiness and community empowerment, Generations Southeast partners with industry, educational institutions and tribal entities to build a strong, homegrown Alaska workforce.
About Tlingit & Haida
Tlingit & Haida is a federally recognized tribe dedicated to serving the needs of tribal citizens and advancing opportunities for tribal communities across Southeast Alaska.