PETROLEUM DIRECTORY: Training exercise for pipeline workers

The Fairbanks pipelines unions conducted their fourth joint pipeline training exercise in Fairbanks in October. The Alaska Works Partnership coordinated the exercise in conjunction with Operating Engineers Local 302, Teamsters Local 959, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 375 and Laborers Local 942.

Participants in the two-week event came from union apprenticeship programs and from the northern and Interior regions of Alaska. Instructors consisted of North Slope pipeline craftspeople, as well as supervisors from North Slope contractors. Safety and environmental professionals from the North Slope producers participated in the training exercises.

Trainees had to construct and remove a 2,000-foot long, 12-inch diameter pipeline. The training included: fabrication and installation of vertical support members; hauling and stringing of pipe; construction and installation of road crossings; and operation of heavy equipment such as side booms, cranes, excavators and hydraulic drills.

Job placement following previous pipeline training exercises has attained levels close to 100 percent and the training organizers anticipate plenty of opportunities for this year’s trainees to put their skills to work.

Funding for the training came from an Alaska state grant that formed part of Gov. Frank Murkowski’s efforts to put Alaska workers into Alaska jobs and from a capital appropriation supported by the Alaska Legislature. The unions, Great Northwest Inc., H.C. Price Co., ASRC Energy Services, Norcon Inc., Flowline Alaska, NC Machinery Co., C & R Pipe & Steel Inc., Lynden Transport, Airport Equipment Rentals Inc., Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. and ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. also provided funding.