One utility’s hands-on training program prepares a skilled and vetted workforce
MIDDLETOWN—To meet the growing need for skilled gas field technicians, Eversource has launched a new training program in partnership with Middlesex Community College and the Workforce Alliance, a nonprofit agency serving the underemployed. The 108-hour curriculum includes evening college classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training.
According to Sarah Millott, Eversource’s manager of gas training, the utility developed the technical content for the program, provides the in-class instructors and hosts much of the hands-on training on Eversource property. Middlesex Community College brought experience with developing certificate-type programs for industry, handles student registration and provides all of the support required for a collegelevel program. Also, Millott told American Gas, “We offer CPR, first aid and OSHA 10 certifications through the program, and Middlesex secured the certified instructors for that. Workforce Alliance has given us a lot of advice and helped us to identify two funding options to benefit students and help them pay for the program.”
In November 2018, students in the first graduating class earned their Natural Gas Field Technician certificates. Members of that class, a diverse group of 11 men and women, nearly all held day jobs while attending weekday evening classes and four full-day Saturday classes. “One of the students had owned his own business and was looking for a change,” Millott said. “One was a stay-at-home mom looking for a new career. One worked at a company that manufactured gerbil cages. They were all at different stages of their careers, ranging in age and background. For some, it’s a logical next step. For others, it’s a new step.”
Unlike a typical college course, though, the program is not open to just anyone. Space is limited to about 10 students, and there is a thorough pre-screening process in place to make sure those who are accepted into the program know what to expect and are up to the challenge.
“Because we’re using this program to find a good workforce, we want to be sure it’s a good fit for us as well as for them,” Millott told us. “During the pre-screen, we talk with them about the equipment they’ll be using, and we actually walk them through some physical aspects of the job. For every task we have them perform, we have an evaluator who demonstrates the activity so we see if they can follow directions and if they’re comfortable with the physical requirements. We only have 10 spots available. Last year, we had 27 people complete the paperwork and go through the pre-screen.”
Because of the thoroughness of the pre-screen process and the comprehensive training itself, Eversource was able to offer positions to every graduate from the first class. “We’re hoping to do that this year as well,” Millott said. “We don’t guarantee a job, but we do guarantee an interview if they do well in class and pass the class. During the class, we have three tests that they have to pass and four Saturday sessions where we expect a high level of participation. It’s kind of like a 13-week interview.”
Currently, Eversource is committed to holding one class a year. But Millott told us the company is looking at options for expanding the program, given the success it has seen among the students and the enthusiasm felt among the Eversource staff.
“This was the brainchild of our president, Bill Akley,” Millott said. “He’s the one who got the ball rolling. Since then, it’s been such a team effort overall, from us in training to our staffing group to the community college. It was a big move for us, but I think it’s going to make a real difference.”