Fueling Alaska’s Workforce: Hilcorp’s Internship Program Sparks Opportunity for High School Students

When Hilcorp Energy Company launched its first-ever high school internship program, “Fuel the Future”,  in the summer of 2025, few could have predicted the impact it would have—not just on the students who participated, but also on the communities and schools that supported them. The program selected eight high school students from across Alaska for two, two-week rotations on the North Slope, during which they toured more than thirty facilities, shadowed a range of technical roles, and got a firsthand look at careers in Alaska’s oil and gas industry.

Konrad Schruf, Hilcorp’s Technical Outreach Coordinator, described the experience with genuine pride. “We toured the North Slope in its entirety,” he said. “The students did about 700 hours of job shadowing with mechanics, operators, electricians, and engineers. Every day was full—7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—and there was never a dull moment.” In addition to shadowing professionals in the field, students participated in hands-on activities such as fire extinguisher training and spill response practice training, gaining an appreciation for both the technical and safety aspects of the work.

Among the inaugural group of interns was Hattie Luckasson, a recent graduate of West Anchorage High School. “Before I applied, Konrad and Bo York had been visiting our school for a couple of years,” she said. “When the opportunity came up, I decided to apply. The application was straightforward—just an essay and some paperwork.”

For Hattie, the internship was more than a trip north; it was her first real experience in a professional technical environment. “It kind of gets you out there and shows you everything the North Slope has to offer,” she said. “Everyone was really welcoming, the food was great, and the place we stayed at was great too. Without this internship, I would have felt lost and uncertain about what to do with my life. It has been the most beneficial experience I’ve ever had." Though she admitted her parents were initially a little concerned—she was the only girl in the group—those worries quickly faded once she settled in.

The experience made a strong impression. After returning home, Hattie enrolled in the Millwright program at Prince William Sound College (PWSC). This path allows her to continue developing the hands-on technical skills she first encountered through Hilcorp. “It’s great,” she said of the program. “It’s fun, and Spencer Heston is an excellent teacher.”

Now, she’s already setting her sights on the next opportunity—Hilcorp’s college internship program. Unlike the high school internship, the college-level internship runs for three months and includes multiple rotations in specialized areas. Konrad explained that this next step builds on the foundation laid by the high school program. “The high school internship is only open to graduating seniors, and it’s a paid position,” he said. “The college internship is also a paid position and is for students between their first and second year of trade school or for those who’ve completed a certificate. It’s a chance to get deeper into the work and really explore a career with us.”

For Hattie, the connection between her high school internship and her current studies is clear. The experience not only helped her discover what she enjoys but also gave her a sense of confidence about her future. “You should do it for the experience,” she said, reflecting on her advice for students who might be hesitant. “It really broadens your understanding of what’s out there and shows you what’s possible.”

As Hilcorp continues to expand its outreach, programs like this one are helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and career exploration—giving students like Hattie a clearer view of their path forward, and perhaps even a head start on the careers they’ll build in Alaska’s energy industry.