Training program brings former coal miners into the natural gas industry
PITTSBURGH—As the coal industry continues to struggle, thousands of mining-related jobs have been lost in the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. coal industry employed more than 250,000 people in 1979. Today, that number has dropped to 53,000.
As a result, many people who have spent their lives in the mines are now having difficulty finding employment. To help these displaced workers, Gas Technology Institute has partnered with Peoples Gas, and other gas utility and contractor companies, to develop a training program geared to those with coal backgrounds—or experience in similar industries—to help them transition into a natural gas career.
GTI’s Natural Gas Utility and Pipeline Field Skills Training program is a four-week course designed to provide a basic overview of natural gas and the natural gas and pipeline industries. The grant-funded program offers free enrollment for students in the region, with support provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency.
During the program’s four weeks, students are involved in both instructional classes and field trips, including a visit to Peoples’ McKeesport Training Center, where they meet with Peoples Gas employees and see practical, hands-on demonstrations. At the conclusion of the program, students and potential employers have the opportunity to meet at a career fair. “The utility industry and its contractors have a big need for workforce, and this program can help fill that gap,” GTI Program Manager Patrick Findle said.
Since the program launched in November 2017, Peoples Gas has been actively involved, assisting in curriculum development. In addition, two Peoples retirees, Gary Wojcik and Bill Wright, serve as instructors, offering students firsthand knowledge of the industry and of Peoples Gas. “The students who are hired may be on their way to a rewarding and life-changing career,” Wojcik said. “Knowing that I played a part in that process is extremely rewarding.”
Diane Liska, director of learning and talent management at Peoples Gas, told American Gas that Peoples has hired three individuals from the program so far.
“The program has become a feeder of candidates to consider for hire,” Findle said. “Employers are recognizing this program for the strong candidates it is developing. Students value this ‘pipeline’ to jobs.”
The program has proved so helpful—and the need so widespread—that GTI is working to broaden the program in 2019 to increase participation.
“We’re working with GTI to expand the program to residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding Allegheny County,” Liska told American Gas. “The target recruitment so far has been more outside of that region, focused more on coal-affected communities. We’re committed to continuing to provide instruction around careers in gas.”