WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced an award of $7.5 million to Alaska to prepare and enhance the skills of 2,550 workers involved in the state’s many pipeline maintenance and construction activities.

“This $7.5 million grant will provide several thousand Alaskans with training to qualify for good jobs on natural gas and oil pipelines,” said Secretary Chao.  “Workers will learn skills and gain job experience that can lead to rewarding careers in the high-growth energy sector.”

Skills-based training programs funded through today’s grant will be phased in over a five-year period.  Skilled construction workers will be involved in ongoing modernization efforts on existing pipelines.  In addition, a new natural gas pipeline is anticipated, for which construction will take place from November to March of each year to minimize potential environmental effects. While earning certification in arctic weather construction techniques, workers will participate in intensive, hands-on team training, and some will take part in distance learning class work as well. Occupational training will make use of apprenticeship programs and focus on heavy equipment operators, pipe welders, surveyors, and truck drivers.

“Seed money provided today will help Alaska use various partnerships to address a looming shortage of qualified pipeline workers,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “This grant will help provide a roadmap for attracting and training skilled workers as pipeline activity in Alaska ramps up over the next several years.”

For more information on Employment and Training Administration programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.