#gasutilityconstructionandservice

[cvtcstudentcentral]

Program Highlight – Gas Utility Construction & Service

It’s okay to admit it…we all get gassy at times, some of us more than others. This month, we are highlighting a brand new program that works with gas all day long: Gas Utility Construction & Service. This fall, we are bringing this program to CVTC! Wanna know why and what it’s all about? Check out our interview with Program Director, RC Jensen, below!

Why was this program added at CVTC?

There is a huge demand for qualified personnel in the gas industry. These are good paying, steady jobs. There are approximately 9 million people in the natural gas industry today, and in spite of the large number already in the industry, this past spring the industry was short 90,000 qualified workers.

What course are you most looking forward to teaching in this program?

All the field work. I love working outside. There is a lot of time spent out in the gas utility field working on equipment, installation of gas facilities, and fusing.

What do you feel is the biggest skill students will take away from this program?

The utility industry is a family. We work together to accomplish the tasks in a safe manner. Safety is the most important skill in our industry.

What makes this program unique?

We have local gas companies and international companies that are partnering with us to bring this program to CVTC. Most of the learning and eventual work in the industry will be outside. Included in this specialized training will be digging by hand; using various excavation equipment, including backhoe and compact excavator, utility plows, utility trenchers, pneumatic piercing tools, jackhammers, and fusing equipment; installing and maintaining metering equipment and pressurization equipment; and dealing with customers.

What makes this program challenging?

This is a highly regulated industry. There is a fair amount to learn, but we will go through it and apply it together. Our students will come out of the program knowing how to be safe in this industry. They will also learn how to keep the public safe when dealing with natural gas.

How will this program impact the Chippewa Valley?

There are companies in the Eau Claire area that are planning to hire over 20 people in this industry next year. Including the surrounding area extending over to Minnesota, there are plans to hire over 80 people.  

What is your experience in the field?

I recently retired from a 29 year career at Xcel Energy (formerly NSP) in Menomonie, Wisconsin. I spent most of my career at Xcel Energy working in the field on both the gas and electric sides of the company. I did gas and electric locating, gas and electric metering, gas compliance, and gas trouble (leak/odor calls).

Anything else you’d like to say?

My goal is to help every student who joins this program be a successful and safe gas industry employee. I will do what I can to help them succeed! I have made it 29 years accident free thus far, and this industry has been fantastic for me and my family. I hope to pass along that success to all who enter our classrooms and labs.