Tag: Oil & Gas

Workforce Wednesday: Engineering in Alaska

Alaska is home to dozens of engineering specialties, ranging from civil to mechanical, aerospace to ship building. If there’s a big infrastructure project, chances are there was an engineer involved.

Engineers also make a broad salary, averaging anywhere from $46 to $73 per hour, according to Cassie Ostrander, a spokesperson for the Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium (APICC). She and Kristina Storlie joined the Daybreak crew to discuss engineering jobs in Alaska.

Storlie used to work in the food service industry. Now, as a mechanical engineer, Storlie spends her day behind a desk or out in the field, so “every single day is completely different!” Storlie works under a professional engineer, and says she’s done everything from working on a hospital facility to the rocket launch facility on Kodiak Island.

People looking for that career change can enroll in the University of Alaska Anchorage’s or University of Alaska Fairbanks’ engineering programs, or drop in at an engineering firm and leave their resume. Ostrander said that ASRC Energy Services and CH2M both have open positions. She added that some firms will create a position for a person if they have the right skill set.

For more information, visit APICC’s website or watch the video segment here.

Source: Workforce Wednesday: Engineering in Alaska | KTVA 11

Alaska February Economic Trends

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February Trends looks at the modern volatility of jobs in Alaska’s oil industry, comparing periods of loss since the 1980s and providing a snapshot of the industry at its most recent high, in 2015. Also this month is a profile of Hoonah, Southeast’s largest Tlingit community.

Click here to read the issue.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Workforce Wednesday: Apprenticeships in Alaska

Did you know there are over 300 apprenticeship programs right here in Alaska? If you’re looking to earn while you learn, an apprenticeship could be right up your alley.

You’ll need to know exactly which career or industry you want to work in. There are careers in mining, gas, oil, healthcare and more.

“You just don’t just show up on the doorstep of apprenticeship unprepared,” said Gerry Andrews, who works with the Department of Labor.

It’s a good idea to start preparing as soon you can. The starting pay isn’t bad, either — around $15 and hour in most industries.

If you’re interested, you can head over the Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium website, or to the Department of Labor website.

Source: Workforce Wednesday: Apprenticeships in Alaska – KTVA 11

UAA Community and Technical College Highlights Programs and Students in Video

The University of Alaska Anchorage Community & Technical College (CTC) offers career and technical education programs that are closely aligned with Alaska’s core industries. CTC faculty work with industry professionals to develop relevant, hands-on training for students. Our graduates earn good wages in high-demand fields that allow them to support themselves, their families and contribute to the state’s economy.

Industries We Serve

  • Automotive
  • Aviation
  • Construction and Design
  • Culinary, Hospitality and Tourism
  • Information Technology
  • Occupational Safety and Health
  • Oil and Gas

The college delivers innovative instructional services that support student success. Through continuing education, CTC engages the community and provides opportunities for personal enrichment and professional growth.

Source: UAA Community and Technical College

Ship Escort/Response Vessel System (SERVS) Program

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Since 1998, Prince William Sound College has assisted Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in conducting annual oil spill response training under the Ship Escort/Response Vessel System (SERVS) Fishing Vessel Program by providing instructors and logistical support. The Fishing Vessel Program is required by the oil discharge prevention and contingency plans for both the Valdez Marine Terminal and the tankers which transport crude oil through Prince William Sound. Without a trained fishing vessel fleet, a response to a crude oil spill in the Sound could not be carried out.

Annual fishing vessel training instructs Tier I and Tier II fishing vessel crews in response equipment use, response tactics, communications, Incident Command System, and response plans through indoor and outdoor classes and on-water drills, so they are prepared to respond to a major oil spill at any time. The training is offered in six ports, Kodiak, Homer, Seward, Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova to over 1800 students on over 420 fishing vessels. The most recent trainings were carried out in these ports between March and May, 2016.

Prince William Sound College also maintains a team of instructors and staff to provide training to vessels in all six ports that might be contracted during a spill response, but which otherwise have no response training. In a major oil spill event, this program will be activated immediately to ensure vessels are ready to support the response in whatever way is needed.

Source: Prince William Sound College