VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.,
Oct. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- During
Careers in Energy Week (Oct. 15-19),
Virginia Natural Gas wants to increase public awareness of the
career opportunities in the energy industry and emphasize the
important role energy companies have in supporting the local
economy.
With roots that stretch back to 1850, Virginia Natural Gas has a
history of safely and reliably powering the homes and businesses in
southeastern Virginia, but as the
demand for energy continues to grow, the company is looking to hire
for the future.
According to the Center for Energy Workforce Development, nearly
50 percent of the energy workforce will retire in the next 5-10
years. That means energy companies like Virginia Natural Gas need
to start today to develop the skilled workforce needed to continue
to meet the energy needs of tomorrow.
Veterans Training Program
The company is looking to the highly sought-after skills and
leadership of veterans with the Virginia Natural Gas Veterans
Training Program, a GI Bill-eligible and a Navy Region Mid-Atlantic
approved SkillBridge program held in conjunction with Tidewater Community College and the Virginia Gas
Operator's Association.
The one-week intensive training program is offered to former and
transitioning military service members and focuses on the critical
components of natural gas pipeline operations and safety. Led by
experienced utility professionals, program participants learn how
they can apply their skills against the industry needs and help
prepare them for future employment in the natural gas industry.
Technical Studies Program
For skilled workers who often need formal education to advance
their careers, a new transfer agreement between Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University, helps highly-skilled
employees bridge the gap between professional expertise and formal
education. The agreement was designed to meet the growing needs of
local business and industry partners, like Virginia Natural Gas, by
providing college credit to adult and nontraditional students for
their knowledge, training and skills in the workplace.
Tidewater Community College's
Technical Studies Program provides college credit for nearly half
of the associate degree to those with documented technical skills
and professional experience; through the agreement, Old Dominion University will accept all credits
awarded by TCC.
Virginia Natural Gas furthers the investment in its employees
with a generous tuition assistance benefit that can be applied
toward either degree program.
"We encourage everyone to consider a career in the energy
industry – not just during Careers in Energy Week, but every week,"
said Jim Kibler, president of
Virginia Natural Gas. "Now is a great time to explore this growing
field. We're committed to rewarding and retaining the most talented
energy professionals so that our customers receive the most
responsive and reliable service possible."
For more information about the Veterans Natural Gas Training
Program or career opportunities at Virginia Natural Gas, visit
virginianaturalgas.com/careers.
About Virginia
Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution
companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural
gas service to nearly 300,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Virginia Natural Gas has been
recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused
natural gas service providers and is consistently ranked in the top
quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. In
2017, Virginia Natural Gas earned the Most Trusted Brand
recognition from Market Strategies International's Cogent Report™
study, and for the second consecutive year was named Local
Distribution Company of the Year by the Virginia Department of
Mines, Minerals and Energy and the Virginia Oil and Gas
Association. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and
connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO),
America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves
approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its
regulated distribution companies in four states with 774,000 retail
customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other
nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines,
asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership
and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more
information, visit Southern Company Gas at
southerncompanygas.com.
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SOURCE Southern Company