Environmental Training and Apprenticeship Program
Workforce Development and Job Training for Environmental Jobs and Careers in Alaska
The Alaska Forum Environmental Training and Apprenticeship Program (ETAP) provides industry-recognized trainings and job placement assistance to support a workforce that meets the requirements of employers offering environmental and natural resource-related jobs in the state. Skilled environmental workers are needed throughout Alaska communities, where new resource developments, resource management projects, contaminated sites, illegal dump areas, solid waste management issues, and other environmental services are creating new employment opportunities.
Applications for Spring 2019 classes is now closed. View the Training Calendar!
What is an Environmental Technician?
An environmental technician is qualified to perform scientific, technical, and regulatory tasks; and communicates and applies knowledge, skills, and abilities in an office and in the field.
Environmental technician job duties can include:
- Evaluation of hazardous sites
- Conducting field investigations
- Environmental sample collection
- Inventory and mapping of natural resources
- Restoration and prevention projects
- Analyzing lab samples and managing data
- Community planning and outreach
Environmental technicians work for industry, non-governmental organizations, and at all levels of government agencies. Many occupations await qualified environmental technicians, including:
- Air Quality Technicians
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Energy Technologies and Services
- Environmental Data Collection and Analysis
- Environmental Laboratory Services
- Environmental Site Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Safety and Health Technicians
- Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
- Sustainability
- Wastewater Management
- Water Supply and Treatment
- Watershed Management
Environmental Worker Training
Alaska Forum Environmental Worker trainings are intended to provide entry to employment, mid-level skills and qualifications for a variety of environmental jobs, and quickly respond to changing workforce needs. Classes and certifications are selected based on current and projected local and regional job opportunities. Topics for these trainings are determined by the credentials and certifications required to safely perform these jobs. Environmental Worker Endorsements will be awarded to students who complete a minimum of 180 hours of trade-specific training. Study plans are flexible to allow participants to match their interests with local employment opportunities.
Requirements:
Environmental Worker training is offered at no cost to qualified applicants. Minimum qualifications to participate in ETAP trainings include:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be an Alaska resident for the last 6 months
- Have a valid Alaska driver's license or State-issued ID (or ability to obtain)
- Be able to pass background checks and drug screening before applying for employment
Applicants should also have basic science, technology, engineering, and math skills and be physically capable of performing the essential functions of an Environmental Technician.
View current ETAP offerings.
Apply for Environmental Worker trainings.
Environmental Technician Apprenticeship
The Alaska Forum is the US Department of Labor registered sponsor of the Environmental Technician Apprenticeship and as such, provides job training and placement assistance to support a highly skilled workforce in Alaska. An apprenticeship is a program intended to equip a new generation of practitioners with on-the-job training and related instruction. The Alaska Forum Environmental Technician Apprenticeship includes 300+ hours of classroom and online instruction and 4,000 hours of mentored work experience.
Advantages to Apprentices:
- Earn while you learn, working directly with employers to develop your career
- Training and fees are provided by the Alaska Forum ETAP
- Certifications and credentials meet or exceed industry standards
- Learn current technology and procedures
View Required Technical Instruction and On-the-Job Work Experience Areas here.
The Alaska Forum also works with employer partners to identify opportunities for apprenticeships in environmental and natural resource-related jobs. Applications will be accepted from qualified graduates of ETAP Environmental Worker trainings when a position becomes available. Employers may also enroll a qualified employee into the Apprenticeship Program to earn his/her credentials.
Advantages for Employers:
- Training is tailored to meet specific needs
- Knowledge and experience pass to new employees
- Enhanced pool of skilled workers and effective recruitment tool
- Standardized training throughout the industry
- Potential bid selection advantages and support to the local hiring program
- Potential tax advantages and training cost reduction
Hire an apprentice today!
To learn more about joining this program as an Employer Partner, please contact Meg Burgett at (907) 202-9612 or mburgett@akforum.org.
