Training Information

Class Descriptions :

**Blueprint Reading, Math, and Scaffold User (former students only):

Training covers basic residential print reading skills, abbreviations, plot plans, foundation plans, floor plans, exterior elevations, section views, details, framing plans, door & window schedules, finish schedules, and specifications.

*Building Maintenance:

This hands-on training covers building maintenance and repair items including Installing door hardware and finished trim, framing metal stud and wood walls with window and door openings, sheetrock, mud, tape and texture patch and repair, basic plumbing, and electrical. Trades math with a layout using the 3-4-5 method. Introduction to cabinets and countertops, and flooring basics.

*Carpentry 1:

Training covers the basics of carpentry and trades math. Accurate reading and use of tape measure, hammer, saw, 3-4-5 layout method, and safe use of hand and power tools. Using skills learned in class, participants build the following projects: a footstool, and a set of stairs to a platform. Construction site education, safety, and carpenter expectations are also covered.

Carpentry 2:

Training with classroom instruction and hands-on covers the following: floor construction, exterior wall framing with windows and doors, and a gable roof. Students apply the skills they learn by building a miniature house.

*Electrical Wiring:

Training covers: Basic electrical theory, electrical code, blueprints, and tool safety. Hands-on training includes – wiring switches, GFCI receptacles, duplex receptacles, panels, 3-way and 4-way switches, bending EMT, and rigid conduit. Students apply the skills they learn by assembling and wiring a lamp with a light switch, outlets, and USB receptacles.

**First Aid/CPR/AED (Former Students only):

Combines adult CPR, AED, and first aid training in a program designed for the occupational first aid provider. This comprehensive program meets OSHA and other federal and state regulatory requirements for training people on how to respond to and care for medical emergencies at work.

Heavy & Light Duty Mechanics (Mat-Su & Fairbanks):

Training covers introductory instruction in Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics. Modules include hydraulics, drivetrains, fuel systems, exhaust systems, electrical functions, and troubleshooting techniques. The proper use of tools and job site safety will be included in the instruction.

Heavy & Light Duty Service Oiler (Fairbanks):

This introductory training covers: an introduction to apprenticeship, road construction, shop work, pit work, fuel points, lube points, oil points, inspection, and problem identification. Also covered will be specific duties of an oiler, responsibilities, punctuality and skill set, work ethic expectations, time management and attitude.

*Heavy Equipment Operating (Mat-Su & Fairbanks):

Training covers classroom instruction in the Alaska Safety Handbook, Camps & Safety Orientation, Environmental Excellence, Hazard Communication, Hazwopper Awareness, Personal Protective Equipment, Hydrogen Sulfide, and includes Hands-on practice on heavy equipment including; Hydraulic Excavator, Dozer & Front-end Loader. Equipment training covers how to conduct pre-operational 360° walkarounds, control familiarization, basic equipment functions, basic operating techniques, and safety rules and practices.

Intro to Building Foundations and Formwork:

Training covers 3-days of the basics of building the concrete forms required for a strong foundation for any structure. This course includes training on the safe use of the hand and power tools needed for this type of work, common types of hardware used when building concrete forms, building concrete footing and concrete wall forms, and setting forms to elevation.

Introduction to Concrete (16 Hours):

Training provides foundational hands-on skills in the placement, curing, finishing, and safe work practices in the concrete industry. Please wear work clothes and boots that you don’t mind getting dirty in. Other required supplies will be provided. This is an introduction to working with concrete, which is a critical component of the construction industry.

Introduction to Pipelaying (16 Hours):

Training will provide participants with knowledge and skills used to install storm drain systems. Skills include proper safety and usage of soil compacting equipment, laser levels, and practice working around heavy equipment. Please wear work clothes and boots that you don’t mind getting dirty in.

Intro to North Slope Pipeline Construction (Fairbanks Only):

Training with classroom instruction and hands-on training includes an introduction to pipeline construction and the various types of work that Construction Craft Laborers are responsible for. This may include basic hoisting and rigging, scaffolding, and insulation of pipe among many other job duties performed when working on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System or in the North Slope oil fields.

*Ironwork & Welding (Welding – Fairbanks):

Training with classroom instruction and hands-on training includes; Vertical and horizontal stick welding, oxygen and acetylene cutting, hands-on tools and materials, hazard awareness, and work site safety. Identify and use safe welding practices, identify joint design and fit-up, set up a welding machine, and identify electrode selection. Participants learn basic rebar wire tying and reinforcing practices, basic structural ironworking and rigging practices, and basic rough terrain forklift operation and hand signals.

Laborers Field Challenge:

Participants will be split into three groups, including several physically demanding activities for two full days. The activities are structured to give the applicant a true understanding of the type of work that Laborers are responsible for on construction job sites. Applicants must be in good physical condition to complete these timed, hands-on activities, which include carrying concrete blocks 100’ and properly stacking them, erecting and tearing down scaffolding, moving two cubic yards of material by wheelbarrow, and digging a trench with a pick and shovel.

Laborers Scaffold User (16 Hours):

This training covers correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, maintaining and inspecting scaffold, proper use and handling of material on the scaffold, fall protection, falling object protection, and the associated safety wear.

Maritime - Deep Dive Into Seagoing Jobs:

This training is a deep dive into careers on or near the water (maritime). It will highlight the different sectors you can work in, how much they pay, and what training or credentials are necessary for you to work in the industry. There will be a particular emphasis on the sea-going career opportunities called “mariners”. This training will include as few lectures as possible, videos, panel discussions, and tours and is packed with hands‐on activities… like survival gear races; building a personal survival kit; knot tying; hands-on exercises to show how electricity, hydraulics, and engines work; a tour of the Port of Alaska; a tour of a TOTE Maritime Alaska Ship; earn a first aid, CPR and AED certification; and opportunities to actually talk with and learn from mariners or former mariner who now work on shore from across the industry.

Maritime 101 - Career Orientations:

This training is an introduction to careers on or near the water (maritime) in Alaska. It will highlight the different sectors you can work in, how much they pay, what training or credentials are necessary for you to work in maritime. We will talk about the advantages and limitations of these careers so your eyes will be wide open to the possibilities. There will be a particular emphasis on the sea-going career opportunities called “mariners”. There is a global shortage of mariners (people who work on ships). There is a shortage of mariners within the United States, so there are careers waiting for YOU, right now! If you want to make really good money, have great benefits, have opportunities for advancement, flexibility, and travel the world making a difference… this Maritime 101 course might be the beginning of an amazing journey for you!

Metal Studs Framing / Sheetrock & Taping:

Training covers the basics of carpentry and trades math. Accurate reading and use of a tape measure, 3-4-5 layout method, and safe use of power tools. Hands-on covers layout and framing of walls which will be attached to partitions and squared. Material handling, storage, layout, cutting, application and installation of sheetrock, proper application of joint compound, tape and corner bead, and patch/repair of sheetrock. Participants also learn the difference between using metal and wood studs.

**OSHA 10 (Former Students only):

Provides entry-level construction workers information about their rights and employer responsibilities and how to file a complaint. Emphasizes how to identify, abate, control, avoid and prevent job-related hazards on a construction site. Covers a variety of construction safety and health hazards that a worker may come across on a construction site as well as personal protective equipment (PPE).

Pipe Trades (Fairbanks Only):

Training covers: Theoretical and hands-on applications regarding the various pipe trades, including introductory skills and knowledge about the different types of pipes, tubing, fittings, and joining techniques used in the pipe trades industry and the different types of systems they would create.

*Plumbing, Pipefitting & Welding (Anchorage Only):

Training covers Soldering and brazing, oxy-acetylene torch set-up and cutting, pipe threading, pro-press fittings, and methods of joining. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) practice, welding-metallurgy. Drainage, waste, vent fittings, soil pipe methods of joining and cutting, plumbing fixtures, and roof drains. Plumbing and pipefitting tools, pipe beveling, Oakie Beveller, and Tri-Tool. Introduction to hangers, supports, valves, and use of ladders, and plumbing codes.

*Plumbing & HVAC (Anchorage Only):

Training covers: Basic plumbing systems and codes. Hands-on activities will include soldering of pipes, installation of pex fittings, threading pipe, and setting plumbing fixtures. This training will also cover basic HVAC including how a basic refrigeration cycle works, boilers and boiler maintenance, and simple low-voltage control systems for heating systems.

Power Tools:

Training covers The ability to quickly and accurately use a tape measure and the general safety, size, types, marking, and cutting of lumber. Safety, operation, and proper use of a variety of power tools used in the construction industry including; Orbital sander, finish sander, compound miter saw, router, jig saw, Kreg jig, drill, impact driver, and belt sander. Students will construct several small projects and complete tasks using various power tools.

Residential Wood Framing:

Training covers layout for wood framing using 16 & 24-inch O.C. layout, design placement, and use of wall framing, door, and window components. Conventional gable roof framing techniques are also covered for wood rafters, ceiling joists, lookouts, barge rafters, and roof sheathing.

Rigging, Piledriving & Welding:

Training covers the basics of the Piledriving trade including; safe hoisting & rigging techniques, universal hand signals, rigging mathematics, types of pile, welding & splicing, cast-in-place concrete, & the daily rigors of a Piledriver.

Scaffold User:

This training covers correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, maintaining, and inspecting scaffold, proper use and handling of the material on the scaffold, fall protection, falling object protection, and the associated safety wear.

*Sheet Metal & HVAC:

Training covers the basics of Sheet Metal Work. Learn to build 3-D objects from flat sheets of metal. Learn about HVAC systems and how to fabricate and install ductwork. Use your brain to calculate cut sizes, your hands to fabricate intricate sheet metal pieces and your brawn to install the piece where it belongs.

Sheetrock & Taping:

Training covers materials, handling, storage, layout, cutting, application, and installation of sheetrock (drywall). Proper application of joint compound, tape, and then corner bead to provide a finished appearance to sheetrock.

Structural Welding:

This introduction to the welding workshop starts with safety first. Using an oxy-acetylene torch, students learn how to cut, prep, and fit metal test coupons. Students will then practice and test their skills with structural welding in multiple positions using the Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW) and Flux-Cored ARC (FCAW) welding processes.

Telecommunications:

Training covers exposure to basic principles in the telecommunications industry including central office operations, outside plant line and splicing work, installation and repair, data and key/PBX, simple termination and testing of category 5E cabling, network interface device installation techniques, block terminations, basic AC/DC theory as it relates to telecommunications and principles of light and fiber optics.

Underground Utility Construction (Chugiak):

This training includes an introduction to the fundamentals of water, sewer, and storm drain utilities. Identification and education in the use of tools used in the field. Basic skills in tool use and equipment identification. Overview of and education in the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Welding II (Fairbanks Only):

Training will include skills and knowledge of the pipefitting and pipeline welding industries. The class will include hands-on and classroom training in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick), oxy/acetylene cutting and beveling, pipe prep and fit-up, hazard recognition, and an introduction to trade mathematics. Students will also learn about welding machine setup and electrode identification/selection.

Welding Fabrication:

Training covers the techniques used in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Participants will learn and practice the safe process of oxy-acetylene cutting and arc welding as well as the proper use of tools and job site safety.

WIT Truck Driver (Apprenticeship):

Participants must already have their CDL permit: This 2-week training will include a 4-day theory curriculum for basic operation and safe operating practices and 5 days of the hands-on fundamentals of driving a tractor-trailer and getting industry experience.”