Pipeline Construction Trainees Will Build Demonstration Gasline Friday In Fairbanks
Nov. 18, 2004
No. 05-32
FAIRBANKS – The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development will join with members of the North Slope Contractors Association and the Alaska Petroleum Joint Crafts Council Friday to graduate about 100 pipeline construction workers qualified for jobs this winter at West Sak and other construction sites on the North Slope.
The training project will feature construction of a demonstration section of pipeline at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Fairbanks union hall, 2740 Davis Road.
Labor Commissioner Greg O’Claray said the training directly supports the department’s top priority for the second half of the administration of Governor Frank Murkowski. “That priority is crystal clear: putting Alaskans to work. Our mission is to help industry train the next generation of pipeliners.”
The Fairbanks training project was prompted in part by the August decision of Conoco-Phillips and BP to initiate West Sak production, the largest heavy oil development program in Alaska history.
The first West Sak heavy oil expected to flow by late 2005.
The labor department supported the Fairbanks training with a $334,000 grant from the State Training and Employment Program (STEP). Oil companies and unions committed more than $170,000 to the project.
Alaska Works administered the program grant for the state on behalf of the Alaska Petroleum Joint Crafts Council and members of the North Slope Contractors Association. Alaska Works is non-profit corporation representing building and construction trade unions and federally registered union apprenticeship and training programs.
O’Claray said the Fairbanks training was intensive under the guidance of instructors experienced in pipeline construction. A goal was to upgrade the skills of workers from Interior and North Slope Alaska and introduce the crews to arctic pipeline construction.
The training focused on crew development, safe work practices, quality craftsmanship and environmental awareness.
Pipeline contractors ASRC Energy Services, H.C. Price Company, Norcon Inc., Flowline Alaska, Alyeska Pipeline Services Company, NC Machinery, Airport Rental and Great Northwest Inc. contributed equipment, a construction yard, materials and training supervision.
Apprentice training instructors, tools, supplies, equipment and safety personnel were provided by four trade unions: Operating Engineers Local 302, Plumbers and Pipefitters 375, Laborers Local 942 and Teamsters Local 959.
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News Media Contacts:
Joe Holbert, Special Assistant/Communications, 907-465-5673
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