Nordic-Calista Brings on Multiple Apprentices

Shareholders Earn While They Learn

Storyknife, November/December 2024 edition

Within our corporation, Nordic-Calista is leading by example when it comes to bringing Calista Shareholders and Descendants into the skilled trades.

An oilfield services subsidiary in Calista’s Bektuq holding line, Nordic-Calista is creating a training pipeline for our people to access good-paying positions in the energy industry. So far this year, Nordic-Calista has hired two apprentices and plans to add more positions.

“Apprenticeships are a terrific way to gain an education and learn skilled trades without taking on a lot of student debt.

They also help meet the demands of a growing economy with a shrinking experienced workforce,” explains Anne Green, Nordic-Calista Human Resources Manager.

Quyana, Nordic-Calista, for your dedication to increasing opportunities for Shareholder employment, education and professional growth!

Following are Q&A interviews with Nordic Calista apprentices Raymond Chanar of Toksook Bay and Charlene Hoffman with village ties to Red Devil.


Raymond Chanar, Nordic Calista Mechanic Apprentice

Raymond Chanar, Nordic Calista Mechanic Apprentice

RAYMOND CHANAR

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Raymond Chanar. I’m from Toksook Bay, I lived there basically all my life until I went to the Community Technical College at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for my diesel/heavy equipment certificate.

Growing up, my mom helped me a lot, she told me to work hard and try to get things done.

I’m living in Anchorage right now and fly down to Kenai for my two-week rotation. When I travel back to Toksook Bay, the first thing I probably will do is visit friends and family—especially my grandma—and go hunting. I like to go out seal hunting, that’s what I miss the most.

What led you to the Nordic Calista Mechanic Apprenticeship?

After getting my certificate, I was going to apply with the mechanic shops in Fairbanks, but my brother told me about the opening for a mechanic intern with Nordic-Calista. They offered me a position and I took it, and then they offered me a two-year apprenticeship.

What are some of the things you are learning?

This is all new to me. This summer, I was shadowing our senior rig mechanic on the drilling rigs on the North Slope, learning how they work and how they drill. A lot of people have helped me understand how everything works. It’s pretty fun.

This fall, I’ve been working on Rig 37 on the Kenai. I have two mentors who teach me how to be good in the job. Lately, I’ve been working on wet pumps and some agitators. This is my first time I’ve worked with drilling mud. I’ve been learning a lot.

What is the work schedule like?

It’s hard work every day, 7 days a week, 12 hours per day. The day passes pretty fast and it’s fun. I like the two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off schedule. It gives me time to have a break. I go play basketball, and recently, my dad came and helped me buy my first car, a Chevy Equinox.

Do you have advice for other young Shareholders interested in the trades?

Just work hard and try to go as far as you can. Get the work done, and if you do that, you’ll be successful.


Charlene Hoffman, Nordic Calista Office Manager Apprentice

Charlene Hoffman, Nordic Calista Office Manager Apprentice

CHARLENE HOFFMAN
Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Charlene Hoffman. I am Deg Hit’an Athabascan, and my parents are Carl Hoffman Sr. of Napaimute/Aniak and the late Bertha Anne Morgan Hoffman of Red Devil. My village ties are to Red Devil. I currently live in Anchorage with my pup named Kai. In my spare time, I enjoy going on adventures this great state has to offer and I love harvesting off the land.

What is the path that led you to Nordic-Calista’s Office Manager Apprenticeship?

My field of work has given me the opportunity to work with executive leadership, which I really enjoy. I had positions with Covenant House of Alaska and RuralCAP, and I also served as a board director of the Kuskokwim Educational Foundation. I served TKC Shareholders on several projects including its Starlink project to obtain efficient and affordable internet in rural communities.

In the past I have taken some classes at the University of Alaska Anchorage, but the college loan interest rates were outrageous and overwhelming at times.

I saw this apprenticeship posted online and was attracted by the opportunity to gain manager training and leadership skills. I’m thrilled Nordic-Calista selected me. When I complete the program, I will have obtained my bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in accounting.

What are some of the benefits of this apprenticeship?

The classes are 100 percent covered and you are getting benefits too. It’s a win-win situation. I’m also receiving strong mentorship on how to become an office manager. My mentor
(Anne Green) has been amazing, asking how she can help me be the best that I can be, what kind of tools can be provided, or if I need more guidance.

Want to learn about Shareholder development programs throughout our corporation? Here’s how!

Email: shareholderdevelopment@calistacorp.com

Facebook: @Calista.HRInstagram: @calista_hr.wfsd