Elementary Middle Secondary

Career Exploration


Looking for a great career?

Consider a career in process industry.

What is a "process industry" anyway? Process industries convert one material into a new material or product that may be finished or used by another process industry. Examples include:
  • extraction of oil, gas, and water from underground to produce petroleum and natural gas
  • extraction of soil and processing to separate zinc and lead minerals
  • conversion of coal or natural gas to power (this process may use coal and gas from the previous processes.
  • converting whole fish in to packaged seafood products
  • processing timber in to engineered wood products
  • manufacturing consumer goods from raw plastics and metal
  • processing wastewater into effluent safe for disposal or recycled water use
In Alaska process industries include oil and gas production and refining, mining, power generation and utilities, water and wastewater treatment, manufactured forest products and large scale food processing. In other parts of the country there are also other process facilities such as complex food processing, chemical plants, and pharmaceutical plants. Career paths in to these industries start with completion of high school or a GED, frequently jobs require some training or education after high school. Options include:
  • going straight to work and getting on the job training
  • starting with a military career and specialized training
  • enrolling in an apprenticeship program
  • attending a technical or trade schools
  • enrolling in a one or two year college program
  • attending four year or more in university program.

O*Net

Career One Stop

 

 

 

Career Brochure

Career Guidance**

**(Alaska DEED)

Career Voyages

The Career Key

Process Industry Career Preparation Programs

The process industry employs people from all disciplines including scientists, engineers, artists, technicians, operators and medical specialists. Some of the programs that are specifically focused on the process industries are listed below. There are many more options that someone from the process industry or a career councilor can help you find.

Apprenticeship Opportunities in Alaska

Apprenticeship is a structured system of training designed to prepare individuals for skilled occupations. It combines on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction. Apprentices who successfully complete the prescribed number of hours of training in an apprenticeship program become certified skilled workers. For more information visit http://www.jobs.state.ak.us/apprentice/ or a Job Center in your community.

There are many apprenticeship opportunities, a few include:

Certificates - 1-2 years

Associate Degrees 2-3 years

Bachelor Degrees

  • BBA Logistics - A business degree that focused on the tools and knowledge required for managing materials. Offered in Anchorage
  • BS Technology - Combine with two year AAS degrees above for a four year program with options in advanced technology studies or business management and logistics. Offered in Anchorage and Valdez.
  • B. Technology - Similar to the BS Technology program. Offered in Fairbanks.

Education Resources

Computer based process simulator system www.simtronics.com - Demo at http://www.simtronics.com/FlashDemo.v6/mail.html

Pathways to Technology - NSF Supported web site with tools for promoting technical education. See recruitment page.

Virtual Chemical Plant - The Virtual Chemical Plant activities offer a variety of essential math and science skills for 5th through 8th grade students.

Career Pathways Poster (PDF download)