National Grid to Partner with WDI to Train Growing Natural Gas Workforce
June 28, 2017
NOTE: This program is no longer being offered at Hudson Valley Community College.
- updated June 22, 2020
Hudson Valley Community College is partnering with National Grid to offer a new training program for those interested in an entry-level career in the natural gas industry.
A 12-week, 90-hour Natural Gas Technician certificate program will be offered this fall through the college's Workforce Development Institute. The non-credit course will teach students the basic skills, work methods and safety practices used in gas construction, maintenance and customer service. The class will take place at the National Grid Schenectady Learning Center.
An information session will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center on the Hudson Valley campus. For more information, visit www.hvcc.edu/wdi or contact the Workforce Development Institute at (518) 629-4111 or workforce@hvcc.edu.
Those who successfully complete the training will be prepared for career opportunities in the growing natural gas industry and will receive front-line priority for entry-level positions in gas operations and customer metering services at National Grid.
This isn't the first time the college has partnered with National Grid for a career-track program. The college's Overhead Lineworker certificate was developed a decade ago in conjunction with the international energy provider when they saw a growing number of lineworkers nearing retirement. Hudson Valley now graduates more than a dozen lineworkers each year, many of whom find work at National Grid.
"This kind of public-private partnership, which serves industry as well as those seeking employment, is one of the things community colleges do best," said President Drew Matonak. "Hudson Valley is proud to work alongside National Grid to introduce this new career training partnership."
"This program is an expansion of our successful electric certification program that we have partnered with HVCC on for nearly a decade," said National Grid Regional Executive Laurie Poltynski. "These programs are an important part of building the next generation of National Grid's workforce and an excellent opportunity for students who participate."
Those interested in registering for the training course must complete a preliminary aptitude test as well as a physical assessment. Prospective students must be least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license.
According to the Northeast Gas Association, natural gas is now the leading home heating fuel in the Northeast. The potential growth in the region is over 33 million new customers. Infrastructure enhancements and workforce retirements are creating additional demand to accelerate hiring new employees into the industry.