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 the 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 identified by their employer as having leadership potential. Others who might benefit include direct marketers, small seafood processors or others closely involved in the seafood industry. ASPLI provides the technical training needed in the seafood industry to master leadership and management skills.

Session 1 runs November 4–8 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.

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

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 improves plant operations.

The final ASPLI session will convene in Anchorage, March 3–7, 2025, 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 of this session is to develop the confidence, skills, and big-picture understanding needed by tomorrow’s managers.

The fee for this program is $2,200 per person. Employers will be responsible for airfare and lodging to and from the training sites. University of Alaska Fairbanks vocational training funds offset a portion of the cost of ASPLI. The full value of this training program is approximately $6,000 per person.

Employees of companies that are members of the Alaska Research Consortium will receive a $400 discount towards their ASPLI registration. 

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 participant must be employed in Alaska (although the company they work for is not required to be based in Alaska) and be able to commit to the full ASPLI schedule:

• November 4-8, 2024, in Kodiak
• November 2024–March 2025 in-plant project with your mentor
• March 3–7, 2025, in Anchorage

Please answer all questions on the application.

Deadline: Applications should be submitted by October 10, 2024. Applications received after this date may be accepted if space is available. You will be notified of acceptance by email within a few working days of your application. Payment will be due by October 18, 2024.

APPLY NOW

Questions? Contact:

Quentin Fong, Seafood Marketing Specialist, 907-486-1516, qsfong@alaska.edu
Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist, 907-486-1535, csannito@alaska.edu

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.