To prepare for Kawerak’s new employment and training program, a region-wide survey was created. The survey requested feedback for the types of jobs and trainings regional residents were interested in, as well as what methods are best to get the word out to inform the region of new opportunities.The new program focuses on 6 regional pathways, to help train and prepare the upcoming workforce to fill needed and important local jobs in our communities. Early Education, Aviation, Maritime, Business and Tribal Governance, Health, and Construction.

According to the survey, adults in the region ranked business and health the highest in careers that interest them the most, but that might have been outnumbered by education, as multiple suggestions in the ‘other’ category included education. Tribal governance and construction were ranked 5% lower. For young adults construction ranked the highest with 46% of responders selecting this as their top choice, and health careers came in at a close second at 44%. Out of the youth surveyed, 35% selected other as their top choice. The highest ranked in the other category included military careers, education and mechanics. Health was only a sliver of a percent behind the other category, followed by business (31%) and construction (28%).

This data will help inform types of trainings are offered and to which audience. Kawerak’s Employment and Training Department is excited for their partnerships with regional organizations to provide opportunities in these fields such as NACTEC, Northwest Campus, and other in-state training groups. The exploration through the pathways begin at middle schools for students to consider their options for remaining in-region and gainfully employed. Young adults and adults are able to start any of the career pathways through regional training opportunities – some provided in-region and some out-of-region, with travel and tuition scholarships for tribal members.

To learn more about this program and to see more opportunities, stay tuned and check out Kawerak’s website at kawerak.org/training. Thank you all who participated in the survey, your feedback helps us to ensure our programs are reflective of the needs of our communities. Also, to not forget, we congratulate the winners of the survey giveaway!

Youth Survey
Grand Prize  – Apple Air Pod Pros
CHELSEA in Stebbins
Second Prize  – Water Bottle
FLOYD in Elim
Third Prize  – Beanie
FRANK in Shishmaref

Young Adult Survey
Grand Prize – JBL Clip 4 Speaker
SHELDON OZENNA
Second Prize  – Water Bottle
SHOSHANNAH ASHENFELTER
Third Prize – Beanie
TRAVIS KANINGOK JR

Adult Survey
Grand Prize – Kawerak Gift Bundle (berry bucket, blanket and first aid kit)
GINA APPOLLONI
Second Prize  – Water Bottle
ROBERT RYCROFT
Third Prize – Beanie
PENNY OLANNA