FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Launch of Careers in Energy Week is designed to help students excel in their education as they choose a career.
Local students from the Flint Genesee Job Core and the Jobs for Michigan Program toured Flint Gas City, located at the Flint Service Center. The location is designed to provide immersive training through scenarios teams often encounter in the field.
"You, students, have all taken very deliberate steps in your future," said Vice President of Gas Operations for Consumers Energy, Chris Fultz. "You are going to be difference makers."
The step Monday for students was learning about what the energy career has to offer. Hands-on simulations, knowing the ins and outs of the job to keep the power on for the community and continue building the safety culture.
"They can immediately get out in the field, immediately diagnose those problems, and fix those problems," said Sen. Gary Peters. "While keeping customers safe, while also providing the energy they need."
Senator Gary Peters, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and others from Consumers Energy spoke on the importance of jobs in energy.
"It's a kind of skills training that we need to expand around the state," said Peters.
According to the U.S. Energy & Employment Jobs Report, the energy workforce added almost 300,000 jobs, growing more than 3% in the past year. The data means more employers need workers.
The support continues to follow with funds from Michigan.
"I'm excited about the opportunity that this creates," said Craig Wright, President of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council.