Classes to prepare next generation of oil technicians

by The Associated Press

Classes have begun to train a new generation of oil industry technicians needed to fill hundreds of jobs expected to open as aging workers retire.

The classes will train technicians for the oil, gas, refining, mining and utility industries. They began Jan. 10 at the University of Alaska campuses in Fairbanks and Anchorage, as well as Kenai Peninsula College.

The two-year, process-technician course was developed by the Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium, a partnership of industry, educators, government and community leaders. The consortium was formed when industry executives and educators saw the need to develop new courses to meet the expected labor demand, the consortium said.

“To meet our statewide demand, we are looking at about 50 graduates per year,” said Kitty Farnham, director of Alaska hire and training at BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., and a consortium spokeswoman. Participants in the consortium include Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., VECO, the University of Alaska and Chugach Electric Association.

Process technicians operate and maintain equipment regulating the flow of liquids, gases and other materials in the processing industries. Salaries range from $40,000 to $90,000. The process industries will see about 500 vacancies during the next decade, a trend that comes with the first generation of North Slope workers reaching retirement age.