Fifteen students recently completed a pilot program offered by CH2M Hill to promote career advancement for residents of southwest Alaska. Graduation was held at the Southwest Alaska Vocational & Education Center in King Salmon on April 12.
The students came from almost all areas of southwest Alaska, from Bristol Bay to the Aleutian and Pribilof islands.
Under the direction of certified instructors from CH2M Hill, students completed vigorous three-week training courses in sheet metal and scaffolding; all with an emphasis on safety.
Those finishing the program, which emphasized safety, will be offered employment on the North Slope, CH2M Hill said, noting that the company focused on Southwest Alaska because it was an untapped resource for personnel.
“We focused on Southwest Alaska because it is essentially an untapped resource for workers. With the significant amount of oil and gas work in Alaska on the horizon, our long term goal is to develop a transferable workforce to meet the needs of our company and our clients,” said Trevor O’Hara, CH2M Hill.
Of the 18 students that began the program, 15 were able to maintain the high quality and safety standards required of CH2M Hill employees. The focus of the program is to simulate a real life work environment that will prepare these students to join and succeed in the workforce.
“This project has a focus on recruiting and retention of entry-level employees joining the North Slope environment successfully,” said O’Hara.
While at SAVEC, students were also taught “soft” skills, including resume writing and construction math to further enhance their employability.
Call Trevor O’Hara for details about upcoming Alaska programs at 907-246-4608.
