National Grid and OCC team up to train new generation of utility workers

A newly approved certificate program developed by Onondaga Community College and National Grid will prepare the next generation of utility workers and help address the utility industry need to replenish its workforce, according to a news release on the National Grid website. The program was recently approved by the New York State Department of Education.

The new Utility Worker Certificate program will provide specialized, hands-on training to prepare workers for high-demand jobs in the rapidly changing energy industry. The one-year program comes at a time when utilities are facing a wave of baby-boomer retirements, and with it, an impending shortage of available line workers. Advances in utility technology and increasing investment in enhancing aging electric networks further amplifies the need for a skilled workforce.

National Grid is addressing the challenge with its innovative "Engineering Our Future" initiative to inspire youth and attract and develop utility workers. National Grid already has invested more than $3 million in this program to target students of all ages and backgrounds to encourage them to study science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM.

For more information about employment at National Grid, visit the Careers section of www.nationalgridus.com.

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https://www.nationalgridus.com/niagaramohawk/a3-1_news2.asp?document=4933