University of Alaska Southeast Center for Mine Training
At the University of Alaska Southeast, hands-on training meets real career opportunity. Build skills, earn credentials, and launch your mining career with confidence.
World-class workforce training in occupational fields leading to employment in the mining industry, with special emphasis on expanding an Alaskan workforce for underground Mine Mechanics.
Hands-On Training. Real Careers. Built for Alaska.
The University of Alaska Southeast Center for Mine Training prepares students for high-demand careers in Alaska’s mining industry through hands-on, industry-informed education. Developed with input from regional employers like Coeur Alaska, Inc., and Hecla Mining Company, programs are designed to reflect real workforce needs and current industry standards. From high school exploration to postsecondary training and employment, students benefit from a clear, supported pathway into careers that are essential to Alaska’s economy.
The pathway begins with the High School Mine Training Pathway Program, a dual-credit opportunity that introduces high school students to the mining industry while earning college credit. Students explore mining careers, safety practices, and operational fundamentals through hands-on learning and direct engagement with industry professionals.
Introduction to Mining Science O.E. Pathway Highlights:
Earn college credit while in high school
Introduction to mine safety and operations
Exposure to careers in mining, environmental science, and power technology
Guest speakers and industry engagement
Hands-on, real-world learning experiences
Students can continue building skills through stackable credentials, including the Power Technology programsat UAS. These programs provide a strong technical foundation and prepare students for careers in heavy equipment, diesel technology, and mining operations.
Power Technology A.A.S. Degree (2 years) Program Highlights:
Diesel engine systems and repair
Hydraulic and electrical systems
Heavy equipment maintenance and diagnostics
Hands-on, lab-based training (50% or more applied learning)
The A.A.S. Power Technology program emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, preparing students to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the equipment used across Alaska’s mining and industrial sectors. Graduates leave with in-demand technical skills and the confidence to enter the workforce immediately or continue advancing their training.
Beyond the classroom, students benefit from strong industry connections that provide scholarships, paid training opportunities, and direct pathways into employment. Programs like the Mobile Mechanic Trainee Program with Coeur Alaska, Inc., and advanced training opportunities such as MAPTS—supported by Hecla Mining Company—demonstrate a clear connection between education and career. The Center for Mine Training is more than a program—it’s a launch point for building Alaska’s workforce and connecting students to meaningful, long-term careers in the mining industry.