Alaska Railroad seeks Anchorage high schoolers for tour guide training

The Alaska Railroad is recruiting Anchorage School District juniors and seniors for its tour guide training program, a spring class at King Tech High School that can lead to summer work on the railroad. Applications are due by 5 pm Dec. 3.

The railroad will hold an open house Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 7 to 8 pm at the Anchorage Depot, 411 W. 1st Ave. Free parking is available from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The program began in 1980 to give Alaska high school students workplace skills and train them to provide customer service and narration for railroad passengers.

Applicants must be at least 16 with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, according to the railroad's Facebook post. Students are chosen through a screening that includes the application, a resume, a counselor's recommendation and an interview. Interviews are set for Dec. 7 to 10. Applications are available on the King Tech website and go to [email protected].

Classes meet Monday through Thursday, 4 to 5:30 pm, from Jan. 11 through April 8, 2027. Students study customer service, cross-cultural communication, public speaking, CPR and first aid, and Alaska geography, economics, history and visitor-related interests. The course earns 0.5 Alaska Studies or elective credit.

"Summer employment with the Alaska Railroad may be available for those who successfully complete the course," the railroad's flyer said. Applications for the summer tour guide job open in April, and the railroad schedules an application and interview for students who complete the training.

Students selected as guides are expected to work full time all summer, between the end and start of the school year. Any time off must be prearranged and authorized.