HVCC to offer training for natural gas jobs

TROY, N.Y. » 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 certification program for natural gas technicians will be offered this fall through the college’s Workforce Development Institute. The noncredit 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 National Grid’s Schenectady Learning Center.

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.

An information session will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center on the HVCC campus.

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. HVCC now graduates more than a dozen lineworkers each year, many of whom find work with 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 HVCC President Drew Matonak. “Hudson Valley is proud to work alongside National Grid to introduce this new career training partnership.”

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.

For more information, visit www.hvcc.edu/wdi, call the Workforce Development Institute at 629-4111 or email workforce@hvcc.edu.