FLINT, Mich. – A new state-of-the-art training facility has opened in the Vehicle City.
The immersive facility will prepare and train those who build and operate natural gas infrastructure in the state.
After nearly two years of construction and development, the ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday marked the formal opening of Flint Gas City, which is expected to train hundreds of natural gas workers every year, in addition to emergency first responders.
“Allowing our workers to learn about and practice the work they will encounter on the job in a controlled but real environment ensures they are prepared for multiple scenarios at a job site before they’re out in the field," said Josh Sturgis, one of the instructors at Flint Gas City. "That kind of training is critical to ensure they can keep themselves, their coworkers and our customers safe.”
Local leaders were joined by Consumers Energy and the Michigan State Utility Workers Council for the announcement, and Consumers Energy and MSUWC partnered to develop the $10.1 million facility.
“Flint Gas City is a great example of how the partnership between Consumers Energy and the Utility Workers Union is working to provide safe, best in class training to all of our members who keep the public safe and provide exceptional service to our customers,” said Craig Wright, president of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council. “This state-of-the-art training center, along with our process of utilizing qualified Union employees, will provide for a great training opportunity.”
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
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