"Make it Monday" forum - The Hard Truth about Soft Skills: Closing the Gap in Alaska’s Emerging Workforce

A Work Ready Alaska Conversation

Alaska employers consistently cite the lack of work-ready applicants as one of their biggest challenges, with many noting that new hires are entering the workplace without basic employability skills. Covenant House Alaska’s Covey Academy is closing this gap with Work Ready Alaska, a certification that builds essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism. The program also provides practical supports like resumes, driver’s licenses, interview preparation, and first aid certification.

Once job seekers are work-ready, Covenant House Alaska (CHA) partners with a wide range of business partners to create structured pathways into Alaska’s most in-demand industries including hospitality, transportation and construction. A panel featuring CHA staff, CHA alumna, and business partners will discuss how this innovative program equips young Alaskans with the tools to succeed while strengthening Alaska’s workforce pipeline.

Moderator: Joe Hemphill, Chief Development and External Affairs Officer, Covenant House Alaska

Panelists:

• Jen Schrage
• Laile Fairbairn

PLUS, a member presentation from Logistics, LLC.
 

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PRESENTED BY...
 
Jen Schrage is a life-long Alaskan with deep roots in the Anchorage community. After 15 years of sales and marketing experience in radio and television, and 25 years of property management and real estate acquisitions, Jen and her husband Tim, established Signature Land Services--a leading contracting service company specializing in snow removal, concrete, and asphalt paving.  She oversees major client relations, marketing, and contract management of commercial snow removal accounts along with asphalt paving contracts for commercial and residential properties.  She is an outdoor enthusiast and an active volunteer with a variety of organizations including Covenant House Alaska where she received the Women Helping Women Award for Passage House, and Junior Achievement receiving the Denali Award from JA for her contributions to the business community in Anchorage. She was also just recently inducted in the Anchorage ATHENA Society.   She serves on the board of directors for the Alaska Women’s Gold Nugget Triathlon, Associated General Contractors of Alaska, Ninestar Education and Employment, and the University of Alaska Foundation.
 

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Laile Fairbairn is a West High grad who came back to Anchorage in 1995 after ten years out of state for college and work in advertising. Upon her return, she opened up Snow City Cafe which celebrated their 27th anniversary this year. The cafe has held the title of Best Breakfast by Anchorage locals every year since 2003. Since then she has founded two other popular restaurants – Spenard Roadhouse, South Restaurant + Coffeehouse, and is the managing partner for Crush Bistro, and also for the restaurants’ administrative services business, Locally Grown Restaurants. These companies employ more than 300 people.

Laile was recently named a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur. She has also received the ATHENA Society Leadership Award, the UAA Culinary Arts Celebrity Chef Invitational Award for Extraordinary Commitment; Association of Fundraising Professionals Alaska Outstanding Business in Philanthropy; Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Excellence Gold Pan Award; Visit Anchorage’s All Alaskan Award; and, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Top 40 Under 40. She is currently a board member of Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Anchorage International Film Festival, and the UAA Culinary School Advisory Board.

 

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