Merrillville resident Garrett Winton studied computer information technology in college, but he didn’t complete his degree.
He then found that finding a good-paying job without a credential isn’t easy in today’s tough market.
But Winton and about 40 others attended a session Wednesday at the Genesis Convention Center as officials from NIPSCO and Ivy Tech Community College pitched a natural gas technology program that comes with a chance for getting a job at the utility.
“The steel mills, NIPSCO and BP — those are the three best-paying jobs in the area, so when one of them offers the opportunity to get a job there, you take it,” Winton said. “You know, you don’t turn it down.”
The energy sector is changing rapidly as many coal-fired power plants are being converted into facilities that run on natural gas, which is cleaner and cheaper.
With many baby boomers retiring from NIPSCO and other energy companies, NIPSCO is partnering with Ivy Tech Community College to train the next generation of employees.
The classes are eight weeks long and start Aug. 22. Students apply to Ivy Tech and may qualify for financial aid. To achieve a certificate, students must complete courses this fall, spring and summer. For an associate’s degree in applied science, it requires an additional two years of coursework.
Upon completion of either program, students are guaranteed an interview with NIPSCO. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, complete a drug screen, get a criminal background check, and pass a mechanical aptitude test.
“There will be jobs for you in the future if you are able to complete this program,” said Karl Stanley, NIPSCO vice president of commercial operations. “This is a real opportunity for you to set your course. It can be a springboard to lots of potential opportunities if you put your mind to it.”
The information session was held at the Genesis Convention Center specifically to get the word out to residents of Gary, which has been hit particularly hard by unemployment in recent years. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson had been working with NIPSCO and Ivy Tech on strategies to train local residents for in-demand jobs. The program is partially funded by a $35,000 grant from NIPSCO.
“We’ve been talking about opportunities in Northern Indiana, especially communities north of (Interstate) 94,” said Mike Suggs, NIPSCO’s director of strategy and integration. “We look at our workforce as reflecting our communities. We have jobs, but often when we send jobs out, individuals are not prepared with the skills they need. What we’re trying to do is — from the grass-roots level — cultivate that next generation of energy professionals.”
More Top Picks Bestoffice Mesh Office Desk Chair
Attendees heard from instructor Joel Hine, who works at the NIPSCO training facility in LaPorte and who went through the program at Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso campus.
Hine said he started teaching courses on power plants, natural gas and energy industry fundamentals at Ivy Tech seven years ago.
“It’s a great time to get into the industry,” Hine said. “There’s a lot happening. I encourage you to put the time and effort into this program and invest in yourself.”
Robert Bober, who works at Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield, received his certificate two years ago and recently graduated with his associate’s degree.
“I was in the safety and training field,” Bober said. “I had to shift (from) what I was confident in to something that I didn’t know much about.”
Bober said that he learned how to work with circuits in the program as well as safety and other areas.
Hammond resident Troy Walker said he doesn’t have a background in the energy field, but he was intrigued by the prospect of working for an energy company like NIPSCO.
“I’m thinking of re-enrolling at Purdue to finish my current bachelor’s degree, so I want to see if I can start the program in the spring,” Walker said.
Gary resident Derek Johns said he was pleased that the presentation was geared toward local residents.
“I think it will be a good thing for the people of Gary, and I am definitely interested in it,” Johns said.
Learn more:
Those interested in the program are invited to tour the NIPSCO training facility in LaPorte on July 11. A bus will leave Ivy Tech’s Gary campus at 9 a.m. and return at 2:30 p.m. Lunch is included. To reserve a spot, call 219-981-1111, ext. 2276, or email [email protected] with the subject line “NIPSCO.”