The last decade saw a remarkable run-up in oil and gas employment as high oil prices led to record numbers of energy industry jobs in Alaska. That meant young people had an easier time getting started in oil and gas.
Hannah Vuppula was lucky enough to land an engineering job last year at an Anchorage firm that works on the Trans Alaska Pipeline. She had just graduated from college in Texas.
But now that Alaska is in its first real recession in nearly three decades, Vuppula doesn’t know what the future holds.
This week, Alaska’s Energy Desk is spotlighting those who have been affected by the downturn, as part of the series An Uncertain Future.
