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Trainee Welding Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

ASRC

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK · On-site

The trainee program is a three-step process leading from Trainee 1, Trainee 2 and Trainee 3. ... Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or ...

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Trainee Welding information

What is a trainee welder?

Trainee welders are individuals who are learning the basic skills and techniques required for welding under the supervision of experienced professionals. They typically participate in hands-on training programs, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions to gain practical experience with different welding methods and safety practices. Trainee welders often work towards obtaining certifications and advancing to more specialized or independent welding roles as they develop their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee welder?

To thrive as a Trainee Welder, you need a basic understanding of welding techniques, safety procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with welding machines, measuring tools, and safety equipment is commonly required, and certifications like OSHA safety training or entry-level welding certificates can be advantageous. Attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and good hand-eye coordination are important soft skills that help trainees excel. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring quality work, maintaining a safe environment, and progressing effectively in the welding trade.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee welders during their initial training period?

Trainee Welders often encounter challenges such as mastering precise hand-eye coordination, understanding various welding techniques, and interpreting complex blueprints or technical drawings. Adjusting to the physical demands of the job, such as working in confined spaces or at heights, can also be an initial hurdle. However, with hands-on practice and guidance from experienced welders, most trainees quickly improve their skills and gain confidence in handling different materials and equipment.

What is the difference between Trainee Welding vs Welding Apprentice?

AspectTrainee WeldingWelding Apprentice
CertificationsOften requires basic safety and introductory certificationsTypically involves earning certifications through on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised settings in manufacturing or constructionOn-the-job training in various industrial or construction sites
Employer UsageTraining programs or companies hiring beginnersApprenticeships offered by unions or companies for skill development

Both roles serve as entry points into welding careers, focusing on skill development and certification. While Trainee Welding often refers to initial training programs, Welding Apprenticeships provide structured, hands-on learning with mentorship. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right path for their career growth.

How do I get a trainee welding job with no experience?

To get a trainee welding job with no experience, focus on completing a welding training program or certification, such as a basic welding course, to build foundational skills. Many employers offer entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training, so applying to apprenticeships or internships can also help gain practical experience and improve your chances of employment.

How to become a trainee welder?

To become a trainee welder, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should complete a welding training program or apprenticeship to learn welding techniques and safety procedures. Gaining certification, such as the AWS Certified Welder, can improve job prospects, and hands-on experience with welding tools and equipment is essential for entry-level positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Welding jobs in Alaska?

For Trainee Welding jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Welding jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Welding jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Trainee Welding jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Trainee Welding job openings:

Trainee Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Welding job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Refinery Operator Trainee

ASRC

North Pole, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Petro Star Inc. is a subsidiary of ASRC and was formed in 1984 to fill a unique role in Alaska's petroleum market. Our North Pole Refinery built in 1985 is a 22,000 bbl/day facility, producing heating fuel, kerosene, diesel, jet fuels, and asphalt base oil for the Interior and Northern Alaska communities. 

We operate our businesses reliably and efficiently by strategically developing energy resources to meet growing consumer demands.  Petro Star is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees and the public, as well as promoting concern and respect for the environment.  As an employer, Petro Star is one of the best companies in Alaska providing tremendous future potential where talented people thrive.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for monitoring, controlling and conducting activities that pertain to the safe operation of the refinery, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure that all conditions and operations are in compliance with safety, environmental and operating policies and procedures.
Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a rotating work schedule. Refinery Operator Trainee reports directly to the on-shift Lead Operator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (and other duties as assigned)

  • The trainee program is a three-step process leading from Trainee 1, Trainee 2 and Trainee 3. Operator Trainee 3's that successfully complete their training program will have an opportunity to advance to the Operator 1 position.
  • Learn the refinery hazards, safety procedures, distillation process and the various components, which make up the refinery.  [During the course of the one-year training period, trainees will be provided with training regarding the plant's hazards, safety procedures and educational materials explaining the distillation process and various components, which make up the refinery.]  The trainee will be tested quarterly for comprehension of assigned training curriculum.
  • Operators and trainees will work side-by-side on a 12 hour 7 days on / 7 days off work schedule.  The trainee will help cover shifts and may not follow the typical shift rotation of two shifts of days and two shifts of nights. Together, the operators and trainees will constitute a "shift" and be responsible for all aspects of the refinery's operation, ranging from housekeeping and maintenance of the unit and property to operation of the process unit during steady-state conditions or start-ups/shutdowns and process upsets.
  • While personal safety and safe operation of the refinery are the most important goals, trainees will be expected to participate in all new construction projects and turnarounds (maintenance work undertaken while the process unit is offline).  Many times, this work will fall on non-shift days, and while Petro Star will not usually require you to work overtime, you should be willing to work a reasonable amount of O/T if requested.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Process technology AA Degree preferred.
  • Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or construction skills are beneficial but not required.
  • Good math skills.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Ability to quickly grasp and master complex ideas and procedures.
  • Ability to work and function well with other people in a team environment.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • This is not a rotational job on the North Slope.  You must live in the Fairbanks / North Pole area or be willing to relocate at your own expense.
     

Petro Star Inc., a division of ASRC, is a drug free workplace and pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.

ASRC and its family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status or any other legal protected status.  EOE:  M|F|D|V

Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. 
ASRC's family of companies apply a shareholder preference in employment, to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.

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