CH2M HILL steps up: taking a protective approach to job training.

• Author: Bohi, Heidi
• Position: BUILDING ALASKA

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While Alaska industry struggles to meet its current and increasing work force needs, at the same time, rural communities statewide are scrambling to provide education and training opportunities for residents of economically distressed villages. It is the hope that these efforts will bring economic stability to regions that are floundering as more and more locals are forced to leave their home communities to find jobs in larger markets.

LOOKING AHEAD

So when CH2M HILL looked ahead to projected offshore oil developments in the Southwest Region within the next several years, it knew that the company had to make efforts now to develop and grow the skilled work force it will need in order to compete for the work in the north Aleutian Basin. The result is the Southwest Alaska Training Program, a three-week program that focuses on matching up entry-level positions on the North Slope with Southwest Alaska residents from Bristol Bay and the Aleutians. Until now, who did not have the skills to take advantage of some of the highest-paying and most sustainable labor jobs in the state.

"By investing in this type of operation CH2M HILL has set an example and created a process for rural work force development," says Trevor O'Hara, senior recruiter for CH2MHILL. He added that it is the first program of its type in Alaska and a practical means for rural Alaskans to get high-paying, career-oriented jobs without going to college.

For the first two training sessions held last year, participants were recruited from Lake Iliamna, Togiak, Dillingham, New Stuyahok, Koliganek, Naknek, King Salmon, Port Heiden, Perryville, King Cove, Cold Bay, Unalaska, Sand Point, Saint Paul and Saint George. In addition to the educational benefits and the full-time pay students receive during training, the potential jobs graduates end up qualifying for pay between $50,000-$80,000 a year and include comprehensive, competitive benefits packages, including retirement and an option to purchase CH2M HILL stock.

Targeting those communities with some of the highest unemployment rates in the state, the program helps not only individuals and families in rural areas, but also adds to the economic development of the region by bringing new money into the area, O'Hara says. It gives residents the opportunity to pursue a career in the lucrative oil industry while allowing them to stay in their communities because the jobs are based on rotational schedules. The training...