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Frequently Asked Questions

Don't I need a college degree to make good money?
Not necessarily! There are lots of great jobs in the ‘energy’ industries that require more technical training than academic education. Many jobs that pay good money require only a few weeks of training to get started. Check out some of the links on the other pages to find out about what kind of training is available in the area that interests you.

Won't I need lots of experience to get a great job?
Again, not necessarily. Often the best candidate has a positive attitude and great work habits. If you’re willing to learn on the job, there are lots of places where you can start at the bottom and work your way up.

What if I'm not good at math or science?
Many industry employers say they need employees who can read a tape measure. Can you do that? There are many jobs that don’t require complex math or science skills.  If you’re still in school, get some tutoring to improve your basic skills. And hang in there. We’ve heard it said that MATH = MONEY!

What training will I need? 
It depends on the area in which you want to work. For instance, for a career in engineering it’s a good idea to study math, science, English and writing in high school. Engineers spend a great deal of time writing reports and consulting with other engineers, so communication skills are important. For other types of jobs, you may want to get more ‘hands on’ technical skills, like carpentry or welding.
Check out the Alaska Career Information System website for more info on training needed for different energy-related careers: http://www.akcis.org (sign on with username: akyouth, password: youthfirst).

Will I have to leave Sitka to find work?
That depends on which careers interest you.  If you don’t want to leave home there are quite a few good jobs available here in Sitka. Check out some of the photos and stories on the other pages, to see some recent graduates from Sitka High, Pacific High and Mt. Edgecumbe High School who are working at great jobs right here in town. To get an idea about jobs available all over Alaska, visit the ALEXsys website: http://alexsys.labor.state.ak.us , register in the system, and do a job search.

Can I get training in Sitka?
Several career fields have courses at the University of Alaska Southeast, right here in Sitka. Environmental Technology, Water / Wastewater, Welding and Construction Technology are just a few.  To learn more go to http://www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/. To learn about other training programs in Alaska, visit http://www.akcis.org.

What if I don’t want to work outdoors? 
Just because you’re in the ‘energy’ industry doesn’t mean you’re going to be working outdoors. If you’re looking at an accounting position you’ll be working at a desk.  However, if you are interested in being a structural engineer you could be in an office some of the time as well as spending a lot of time outdoors. If you’re a carpenter, you could specialize in drywall and stay indoors. Visit http://www.akcis.org to learn about the working conditions for different careers.

Would I have to wear a hard hat? 
What career are you interested in?  If you’re interested in being an asset analyst, acting as a liaison between your company and another company, making sure all ideas are represented, would you wear a hard hat? No! However, you would as an electrical apprentice, where you might work on generators and transformers.

What are salaries like for young people? 
Beginning wages for most jobs are less than those paid after mastering some skills. For instance, ironworkers are paid by the hour. Beginning salaries, with some training, can be upwards to $18 an hour.  Electrical line workers range between $13.25 and $32 an hour, depending on training and experience. A job in the mining industry can start $15 an hour, but the average mineworker in Alaska makes $72,000 a year. Find more wage info at http://www.akcis.org or check out http://alexsys.labor.state.ak.us to find out the wages for jobs that are currently open.

Will employers help me further my education?
Many employers will help you when they see your persistence and enthusiasm. They may recommend, or even require classes, to help you grow. Or, as you find classes that would further your knowledge of your particular job, you may bring them to the attention to your supervisor. Leave no road unexplored! Line workers are among the many positions that receive much of their training on the job.

Are there jobs in ‘Alternative’ energy?
Yes! Even BP has alternative energy divisions. Check out the possibilities at http://www.bp.com/.  Many researchers are exploring alternatives to providing us with the energy needed to run the country. What are you interested in? Wind? Hydro? Solar? Hydrogen? Biofuels?  Check out http://www.greenenergyjobs.com.
Your generation will develop the future for energy production and distribution in America. How do you want things to work?

Are there seasonal opportunities in this area?
Seasonal employment picks up in June.  Have you seen the Sawmill Creek Road expansion that is on-going? They are using Project Managers, Equipment Operators, Contractors, Sub Contractors, Specialty Contractors, and even Material Managers. You’ll have to have training for these positions. Again, check out the training links on the Construction page.

What can I do while I’m still in High School? 

  • Stay in school! An important starting place for all good jobs is having your high school diploma.
  • Take as many math and science courses as you can. Learn to use a measuring tape and ruler!
  • Perfect your oral and written communications skills. Learn to speak and write clearly and concisely. You’ll need to sell yourself to employers and produce good work in order to keep your job.
  • Get a head start by taking a college course or two during high school. Check with your guidance counselor to find courses that are offered.
  • Part time jobs or volunteer work also can provide you with experience.  Look for summer programs geared toward high school students.
  • Check out the Sitka Job Center, at 214 Lake Street, 747-6921, as they may know about summer programs that ‘fit’ your career interests.
  • Visit the state’s job bank at http://alexsys.labor.state.ak.us to check out the types of jobs that are available all over the state.
  • Develop an open mind and a positive attitude. It’s a big world out there. You can do whatever you want if you set your mind to it and begin!

Where can I find a mentor? 
Talk to your high school principal or counselor.

How do I apply for jobs?
Go to the Sitka Job Center for help in finding jobs. Job Center staff can help you complete job applications or write a resume. You may also be eligible for job search assistance through the employment programs at Sitka Works! We’re located at 212 Lake Street, in the little house across from the fire hall.

How do I decide on a career?
You’re in the right place! Just by checking out this website, you’ve already taken the first step to exploring different careers and deciding what you might be interested in doing in the future. Visit the links provided here, complete the assessments on AKCIS (http://www.akcis.org), take advantage of learning opportunities like summer camps and elective classes, interview people, etc. Keep your mind open to the possibilities!

Sitka Energy Project

On-going support for Alaska Energy Careers is provided by BP logo - committed to Alaska's next generation of workers.

© 2006 Sitka Energy Project. A project of Sitka Works!
This project was funded by a grant awarded under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative,
as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration
and the State of Alaska, Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
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Revised: July 25, 2008 3:35 PM
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