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New apprentice program unleashes the next generation of pipeline workers at TECO Peoples Gas

The following post is by Matthew Baker:

Apprentices get the job done at GasWorX.

Step right up, apprentices! You’ve got a big job ahead of you as do your part to serve more than 350,000 customers across Florida with safe, reliable, affordable natural gas.

Fortunately, Florida’s largest natural gas provider will have you well-prepared in a big way: with a remarkable new gas training facility in Tampa called GasWorX – and now the training program to go with it.

With the ability to onboard 30 recruits annually, the program will provide both classroom-based and hands-on opportunities to learn the latest industry practices and skills to provide customers with safe, reliable and clean energy.

Recruits entering the apprentice program will attend an initial four-week orientation course prior to joining their respective divisions. This orientation will capture the organization’s focus on reliability and customer service while also instilling a culture of safety and teamwork. At six-month intervals, recruits will return to the GasWorX training facility for continued education and operator qualification.

Centrally located off Palm River Road in Tampa, the GasWorX facility will serve to educate a new generation of pipeline workers from across Florida. The facility features a real-world natural gas training area modeled from a typical Florida residential community with houses, commercial structures and paved streets. In this simulated environment, trainers can introduce best practices in a safe and controlled environment.

Steve Dosal, manager of Training with TECO Peoples Gas, is among those spearheading the effort to help ensure that only the most qualified professionals are ready to complement our award-winning customer service as new homes and businesses embrace the many benefits of natural gas daily.

“This new training program underscores our commitment at Peoples Gas to meet the crucial need for ongoing recruitment and training of pipeline operators to build, maintain, and operate our vast pipeline infrastructure across Florida,” Dosal said.

He added, “We’re excited about our new apprentice program and state-of-the-art GasWorX facility that will support our growing organization’s focus on being an industry leader in safety and service excellence. Being – or becoming – a TECO Peoples Gas customer just got more exciting when you think about the high quality of work by the professionals behind your service.”

TOP PHOTO CAPTION

Students and instructors (where noted) from left to right: Clint Floyd, Steven Roper, Dakota Parker, Craig Booher (instructor), Jamison Williams, Bryce Busjahn, Gregory Meteisky, James Billington (instructor), Kyle Stalvey, Dan Pocengal and Jason Gikher.

 

 

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