Employ Older Workers Week

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 becoming an increasingly important segment of our workforce. Alaskans aged 55 and older represent 22 percent of the workforce, an increase from 13 percent in the 2010 Census; and

WHEREAS, many seniors continue to 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 "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 in obtaining employable skills and finding appropriate work in today's job market.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 22 - 28, 2024 as:

Employ Older Workers Week

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the contributions older workers make to the workplace and economy, and to urge those who are engaged in job placement, training, and related services to strengthen their efforts in helping Alaskan seniors find suitable jobs and training.

Dated: September 22, 2024