KPC Process Tech grads find work in weak economy

The Peninsula Clarion published the following article by reporter Dante Petri.

Stories about recent college graduates struggling to find work are hardly uncommon these days, but in the past year Kenai Peninsula College Process Technology and Industrial Process Instrumentation grads have done well bucking that trend.

According to Jeffery Laube, assistant professor of process technology at KPC, 21 students have helped to fill 25 entry-level positions offered by BP Alaska this summer.

On top of that, ConoccoPhillips hired five, and grads have filled positions with Tesoro, ConocoPhillips in Washington state, CH2Mhill, ASRC, Udelhoven, IISCO, Schlumberger and others.

"I'd have to say that companies are starting to realize the quality they're getting from hiring from the Process Tech program," Laube said.

Laube also noted that several KPC graduates have found work with a company that produces solar panels, REC Silicon, in Moses Lake, Wash.

"I think this is going to continue to grow," he said. "As they develop the methodologies for green technology, the bulk of those energy producers are still going to need process technicians to operate their facilities. Process tech is not just oil and gas."

Laube noted hydro-electricity as well as bio-diesel as examples of green industries that also require process technicians.

Read the full article.