HUNTSVILLE – Since launching less than a year ago, seven students have graduated from the Natural Gas & Water Certification Program, a partnership between Drake State and Huntsville Utilities.
Last October, Huntsville Utilities donated $50,000 to fund scholarships for the four-week program that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for careers in the gas and water operations sector.
The Gas and Water Operation Certification Scholarship Program provides support for tuition, materials and supplies, facility fees, advertising, and student meals for participating students. In addition to financial support, Huntsville Utilities will provide crucial job training and mentorship to scholarship recipients.
“The Gas & Water Operations program is equipping graduates with the skills we need in our industry,” Wes Kelley, president and CEO of Huntsville Utilities.
“The partnership between Huntsville Utilities and Drake State is successfully providing students with essential training while also supporting the region’s growing workforce needs.”
The curriculum covers Class B CDL training, basic welding, OSHA 10, first-aid, CPR, leadership, basic computer training, and basic mathematics.
Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims said the college provides this program and others to strengthen the region’s workforce development.
“Our collaboration with Huntsville Utilities has yielded success by increasing the number of individuals in our community with the training and certifications to contribute to gas and water operations in our growing city,” she said. “We are in the process of planning the next cohort with a focus on increasing the accessibility for people who may be interested in this critical line of work.”
Through the Office of Workforce Development, the state provides a number of services and programs designed for training in existing business and industry as well as continuing education and adult skills training.
For information on the Natural Gas & Water Certification Program, visit drakestate.edu/workforce-development.
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