Do you have an employee who, with key training, could help lead your business into the future? The Alaska Seafood Processing Leadership Institute (ASPLI) offers 80 hours of intensive professional development for employees recognized as having potential to move up in your company. The institute is designed for mid-level managers in a seafood plant—production managers, QC supervisors, seafood engineers, human resources, and corporate or administrative personnel who have leadership potential. Others who might benefit include direct marketers, small seafood processors or others closely involved in the seafood industry who process seafood. ASPLI provides the technical training needed in the seafood industry to master leadership and management skills.

Participants will attend both a one week fall training and one week spring training, as well as complete an in-house project in between.

Session 1: November 2–6, 2026, in Kodiak

Session 1 of ASPLI runs November 2–6, 2026, at the UAF Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, where participants will learn from seafood faculty and local experts. Topics include the science of seafood, shelf life, quality and safety of Alaska’s fishery products, product development, lean manufacturing, new technologies, and seafood marketing. Participants will get hands-on experience in the KSMSC pilot plant, and local seafood plant managers will offer perspectives on the seafood industry and management.

In-plant project

After the Kodiak session, ASPLI participants will return to their jobs and work with an in-house mentor to identify and complete a project that has an impact on plant operations.

Session 2: March 1–5, 2027, in Anchorage

The final ASPLI session will convene in Anchorage, March 1-5, 2027, focused on leadership training, project management, human resources, regulatory environment, and developing effective management styles. Experienced seafood leaders, government regulators, and management consultants will lead the classes. The goal is to develop confidence, skills, and the big-picture understanding needed by tomorrow’s managers.

The program fee is $2,400 per person if they work for processors with an Alaska presence who are also Alaska Research Consortium (ARC) members. For those who work for processors with an Alaska presence but no ARC membership, the fee is $2,600. Those who work for processors without operations in Alaska pay $2,800 per person.

Employers will be responsible for airfare and lodging to and from the training sites. University of Alaska Fairbanks vocational training funds partially offset the cost of ASPLI—the full value of this training program is estimated at $6,400 per person.

See ASPLI sample agenda (PDF; from previous event, subject to revision).

Application instructions

If you have an employee who would benefit from ASPLI and you wish to be a sponsor, direct the prospective participant to fill out and submit an online application.

To qualify for this program, the person must be employed by a seafood processor or own a seafood processing facility, and be able to commit to the full schedule of events:

• November 2-6, 2026, in Kodiak
• November 2026–March 2027 in-plant project with a mentor
• March 1-5, 2027, in Anchorage

As part of the application process, applicants must identify a mentor who can provide professional guidance during the training period as well as help with an in-plant project. The mentor can be a supervisor or other employee in your seafood processing plant, or someone from a regional nonprofit organization. Applicants must also provide the name of a financial sponsor who will support the required contribution.

Please answer all questions on the application.

Deadline: Applications should be submitted by September 30, 2026. Applications received after this date may be accepted if there is space available. You will be notified of acceptance by email, normally within a few working days of receipt of your application. Payment will be due by October 16, 2026.

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Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct

Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.