Welcome!

The Administrative Services Division, or ASD, helps to tie all the Divisions together under the Commissioner’s Office. This Division is responsible for financial/budget management, procurement, human resource matters, and other support to the DOLWD Divisions. Additionally, the Research and Analysis section conducts vital employer outreach concerning the Alaskan job market which is published in their monthly TRENDS magazine.

The Alaska Vocational Technical Education Center, or AVTEC for short, is Alaska’s only post-secondary career and technical training center owned and operated by the State of Alaska. Students here learn trade skills such as Industrial Welding, Industrial Electricity, Refrigeration, and Plumbing and Heating. Upon successful completion of training, students earn an AVTEC certificate and are able to earn industry-valued credentials and licenses in many programs.

The Division of Employment and Training Services has 14 job centers open all around Alaska; even if you’re not interested in any positions with us, our Employment Service Technicians will be happy to help you with your employment search. They’ll help you look for jobs that fit your specific needs, and will assist with the application process as well, lending a hand with writing resumes and Cover Letters and even conducting mock interviews. Special services are provided for Veterans and older workers, in addition to English literacy services and adult basic education for those who are preparing for citizenship testing or need a high school diploma or GED. And if you’re in-between jobs, our Unemployment Insurance Technicians will make sure you receive any financial assistance due to you.

The Division of Labor Standards and Safety, or LSS, has a mission to ensure safe and legal working conditions for all Alaskans. They aim to protect our workers from industrial accidents and job-related illness through the enforcement of state and federal standards, and by training employers and employees to follow safe work practices. LSS also conducts inspections of amusement rides, boiler and pressure vessels, elevators, and electrical and plumbing installations. Additionally, this Division enforces the Alaska labor laws to ensure that workers are justly compensated for their labors and safeguarded from unfair practices.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps Alaskans with disabilities get and keep good jobs. In addition to preparing and training clients for employment, DVR will also make vendor payments and medical or other professional assistance appointments. Many of the employees here have specialized education or certifications unique to their jobs, which results in the longevity of staff. This Division also houses Disability Determination Services, or DDS, which is contracted by the Social Security Administration to adjudicate medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance.

The Division of Workers Compensation helps workers by assisting them with their medical and disability benefits if they are injured on the job. Workers Compensation operates similarly to a court system, with the intent to ensure the quick, efficient, fair, and predictable delivery of indemnity and medical benefits to injured workers at a reasonable cost to employers. In addition to the regular Workers Compensation, there’s even a “Fisherman’s Fund” that provides solely for the treatment and care of Alaskan commercial fisherman that are injured due to fishing-related activities in the state.