Governor Palin and other dignitaries visit the 7th Annual Pipeline Training Academy in Fairbanks

   October 29, 2007

Governor Sarah Palin with first gentleman Todd Palin, and daughter Piper were on hand to tour the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Academy put on jointly by Alaska Works Partnership, and trainers from the Operator's Local 302, Teamsters 959, Plumbers & Pipefitters 375, and Laborers 942. In fact the Governor donned a personalized welding hood (below) from Local 375 Business Manager Jim Laiti (to the Governor's left). Immediately to the Governor's right is Commissioner of Labor Click Bishop formally training coordinator of the Operator's Local 302.

               

About 100 apprentices and trainees are being trained in an intensive pipeline construction training academy on a 20 acre parcel donated by Great Northwest Excavation, a signatory union contractor.

               

The Governor, her family, and other dignitaries including University President Mark Hamilton and Cook Inlet Tribal President Gloria O'neill, toured the 20 acre parcel and saw varying phases of typical pipeline construction. About 30 of the trainees were brought in from rural Alaska for the two week academy.

               

Above the Governor is seen meeting participants of the training academy; the only one of its kind in North America.