Original Article by The Delaware County Daily Times
Bill Davis, Jake MacCrone and Donovan Pierce of Delaware County were among seven new apprentice mechanics welcomed to PECO’s field force on Thursday, April 5, as they celebrated their graduation from a comprehensive natural gas training program. Natural gas school instructors and members of PECO leadership came together to congratulate the company’s newest field employees on this significant professional accomplishment. The new apprentices will join the utility’s front lines – helping to ensure safe and reliable natural gas service for more than 518,000 area customers.
“The training our new apprentice mechanics received from our skilled instructors through this program provides the essential foundation for their careers at PECO,” said Ron Bradley, vice president of Gas Operations. “Our field employees play a critical role in our mission to deliver safe and reliable natural gas to our customers and I’m proud to welcome them to the organization.”
PECO’s training program develops the fundamental skills new apprentice mechanics need to work safely on the company’s natural gas distribution system. More than 475 people applied for this year’s program.
The current seven apprentices were selected after a series of interviews and physical assessments. PECO’s Training department develops the curriculum for the natural gas training program and seasoned natural gas mechanics instruct and oversee the field work of the trainees. In addition to field maintenance and repair skills, the program focuses on natural gas fundamentals, quality customer interactions, emergency response, safety and first aid.