VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Oct. 2, 2018 – Virginia Natural Gas is the recipient of the 2018 Innovator Award from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (formerly Opportunity Inc.) for its Veterans Natural Gas Training 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.
“We are proud to present Virginia Natural Gas with this year’s Innovator Award for their commitment to workforce development and impact on the Hampton Roads community,” said Shawn Avery, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. “The skills learned during military service are transferable and highly relevant in many industries, and the Veterans Natural Gas Training Program helps make that connection.”
The Veterans Natural Gas Training Program was designed to serve as the foundation for expanding the training program across the state. Veterans can use SkillBridge and GI Bill® education benefits to cover the cost and fees for the program.
“Virginia Natural Gas is a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) certified company for our continued commitment to recruit and hire veterans,” said Jim Kibler, president of Virginia Natural Gas. “The Veterans Training Program is another way we can leverage the skills and leadership of the talented veterans in Hampton Roads to help meet our commitment to reliably deliver clean, safe and affordable natural gas service throughout southeastern Virginia.”
For more information about the Veterans Natural Gas Training Program, 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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Media Contact:
Jennifer Golz
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