97 graduate from pipeliner training program

Ninety-seven apprentices and beginning pipeline workers graduated Nov. 1 from the fifth annual Alaska Pipeline Joint Crafts Training Program.

The Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development said the graduates are trained to go to work this winter on the North Slope, on projects such as building a new pipeline for Pioneer Natural Resource’s Oooguruk project and replacing 16 miles of transit lines at Prudhoe Bay.

“This program is a continuation and expansion of Governor Frank Murkowski’s ongoing efforts to recruit and train Alaskans for high-paying jobs and careers in the oil and gas industry,” said Labor Commissioner Greg O’Claray. “We’re committed to getting Alaskans ready for the jobs that are ready for them.”

The intensive two-week program is the only one of its kind in the country, the department said, and focuses on “crew development, safe work practices, quality craftsmanship and environmental awareness.” The program is “also unique in that it is inventing and pioneering new technologies and techniques specifically designed to address Alaska’s arctic conditions,” the department said.

Graduates include participants from remote villages — Kiana, Napakiak, Ambler and Dillingham — nearly 20 percent are Alaska Native and 20 percent are female, with more than 60 percent of participants between 18 and 29.

The training was funded in part by a Pipeline Training Earmark grant of $496,000 from the Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s Division of Business Partnerships. Additional funding was received through a $1.6 million appropriation by the 2005 Alaska Legislature for the FY06 budget, as well as more than $200,000 in-kind contributions from labor and industry.

—Petroleum News