Estrella Mountain launches natural gas program
Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) partnered with Southwest Gas to launch a natural gas program to its campuses — offering students the opportunity to study the ins and outs of natural gas pipeline operation and management. According to EMCC Dean of Academic and Workforce Programs Becky Baranowski, Estrella Mountain is the only college in Central Arizona to offer the program.
“We’re the only one that has the training with Southwest Gas,” Baranowski said. “One of my favorite parts about the program is we have an industry professional teaching the class and I think that is going to be the greatest benefit to the students.”
Enrollment is open for the program’s two courses — Automated Industrial Technology (AIT) 112 and 113 — which begin Aug. 24. AIT 112 focuses on natural gas pipeline operations, whereas AIT 113 is a natural gas pipe joiner course — each taught by professionals from Southwest Gas.
Baranowski said classes will be held weekly on Monday nights from 6 to 8:40 p.m. She said she feels the course is well suited for recareering and working adults, as well as students that recently graduated from high school.
According to Southwest Gas Talent programs Manager Deborah Baldwin, the first course introduces students to pipeline operations and safety — teaching damage prevention and emergency response. The aspiring technicians learn the origins of natural gas and the ways its uses have evolved over time. On the other hand, Baldwin said the second course is where the learning becomes more hands-on — from theory to practical application.
“The students get to better understand the techniques of connecting or joining the pipe underground,” she said. “That can be with heat fusion, solvent cement or even the compression couplings.
“This is a great opportunity to align the students and prepare them for entry to the workforce upon completion of the courses.”
Baranowski echoed the idea that the course was designed as a pathway from education to employment. She said that the company expressed a need for more technicians and worked with the college to create a program that would meet that need. Similar partnerships, the dean explained, are common among Estrella Mountain’s industry partners. Baldwin said that the primary goal is to help students to land careers with benefits and competitive pay at Southwest Gas in particular. Baranowski noted that students can also find non-STEM jobs with Southwest Gas, including positions in human resources, marketing and accounting. She said they can also choose to continue their studies and earn an Associate’s Degree in AIT, where they will acquire additional skills that will create additional opportunities.
From an educational standpoint, Baranowski said that offering programs like its new natural gas reflect the institution’s emphasis on career readiness.
“We have two areas on our campus — one is the Career and Transfer Center and they will help you with resume building, writing and mock interviews,” she said. “We also have our workforce and experiential learning office for students interested in an internship, real-world projects and job shadowing.
“Career readiness is incredibly important to us.”
For Baldwin and Baranowski, the primary hope is that students who complete the courses leave with an understanding not only of the subject matter, but the opportunities that await them. As the start date for the natural gas program approaches, the dean of academic and workforce programs urged her students to dig in and give it their all.
“Give it a try — go in with an open mind and ask questions of your instructor,” Baranowski said. “Take advantage of every opportunity that you can and if you’re struggling, reach out — people are there to help you and we truly want you to be successful.”
For more information or to enroll, visit estrellamountain.edu