Did you know ConocoPhillips Alaska is powering the next generation of Alaska’s process technology workforce?

February 24, 2026

ConocoPhillips Alaska President Erec S. Isaacson presents a check for $400,000 to representatives from UAA Kenai Peninsula College, and UAF for the ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Technology Fund in UAA's ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building. — ConocoPhillips Alaska President Erec S. Isaacson presents a check for $400,000 to representatives from UAA's Kenai Peninsula College, and UAF's CTC for the ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Technology Fund in UAA's ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building. (UAA photo by James Evans)

When ConocoPhillips Alaska approached the University of Alaska with the goal of addressing Alaska’s growing workforce demand, the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ (UAF) Community and Technical College (CTC) and University of Alaska Anchorage’s (UAA) Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) developed a joint plan to strengthen UA’s process technology pipeline. The result is the launch of the ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Technology Support Fund.

ConocoPhillips gifted $400,000 to invest in UA’s process technology programs. A committee has been formed to build on this initiative with a focus on continued investment.

A process technology instructor adjusts a valve on a lab-scale industrial piping and control training unit while visitors observe during a Board of Regents event at Kenai Peninsula College. — During a February 2025 Board of Regents reception at Kenai Peninsula College, a process technology instructor demonstrates a pipeline pig, a device used to clean and inspect industrial pipelines. (UA photo)

Why it matters: Process technology programs prepare students to operate and maintain complex industrial systems in Alaska’s energy and industrial sectors. Oil and gas workforce demand is projected to outpace current graduation rates.

KPC’s process technology program has built a reputation as one of UA’s strongest workforce-aligned technical programs, preparing students through hands-on training and industry collaboration for roles in Alaska’s oil and gas and industrial facilities.

UAF CTC launched its process technology program to meet workforce demand tied to Alaska’s oil and mining sectors. Students train in dedicated labs that simulate industrial control systems used in North Slope facilities.

By the numbers:
• 88% of KPC process technology graduates secure jobs in their field within one year
• Average first-year earnings exceed $84,000
• Average wage hits $130,000 within five years

Close-up of cross-section industrial valve training models on a lab table at Kenai Peninsula College, showing internal components used for process technology instruction. — Students in KPC's process technology program train on cross-section models of industrial valves, learning how flow control systems function in real-world energy facilities. (UA photo)

What the investment supports:

• High school bridging and dual enrollment expansion at both campuses
• Recruitment and marketing statewide to increase early awareness
• Program support and equipment updates that strengthen hands-on opportunities
• Rebranding at UAF CTC to increase visibility and enrollment

What’s next: A cross-campus committee is being formed to guide implementation and build on this workforce investment, with the goal of attracting additional industry partners.

Zoom out: ConocoPhillips Alaska is UA’s largest corporate donor, investing nearly $45 million over four decades.

Rebecca Lawhorne is the integrated media manager for the University of Alaska System Office of Public Affairs.