In the Field
Alyeska reconfigures worker skills

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company is moving forward on its $250 million strategic reconfiguration program to modernize the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. As pipeline equipment and control systems are upgraded, workers will develop new skills to operate and maintain the new equipment.

“Training is a critical piece of our management of change,” said Geneva Walters, SR Project Training Lead. “We have to be prepared to operate, monitor and maintain the new systems safely and effectively.”

Planners have completed a training needs assessment to determine what new technical skill sets must be developed to operate and maintain the reconfigured pipeline.

“It’s exciting to see Alyeska reinvest in both the pipeline’s physical assets and the individuals who will operate and maintain the new equipment,” said Walters.

Technical training will occur in three phases. Phase one is underway and addresses the instrumentation and electrical skill sets required to operate and maintain the new automated and remotely controlled electrified pump stations. Phase two will focus on vendor-specific equipment while phase three will address equipment relationships and pipeline system operations. Relationships between maintenance, operations and engineering will also be considered in phase three.

Training is scheduled to be completed prior to commissioning and startup of new facilities.