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Black Hills Energy and NICC Collaboration Builds Talent Pipeline
Northeast Iowa Community College’s partnerships in the energy and utilities sector help to build a reliable pipeline of talented, knowledgeable graduates for the industry. One industry partner, Black Hills Energy, provides curriculum input and supports scholarships for students enrolled in the College's Gas Utility Construction and Service program.
Black Hills Energy employees serve as advisory committee members for the program to help advise NICC on the knowledge base and skill sets required for career success. Committee members also communicate how new technologies are impacting the industry. NICC instructor Al Dolan sees great benefit in the advisory committee’s role in student instruction.
“The committee members are vocal about what skills NICC graduates need, and this is invaluable input for an industry that is always changing in employment needs, emerging technologies and markets,” Al said.
The NICC program offers hands-on experience learning nearly every facet of the industry including pipe installation, heavy equipment operation, building mini-distribution systems in a test plot on campus and more, said Jason Hilby, graduate.
Black Hills Energy has also created and funded scholarships for Gas Utility Construction and Service students since 2018. The scholarship has assisted 12 students in their education and training.
“Providing scholarships to students in the Gas Utility Construction and Service program at Northeast Iowa Community College aligns with Black Hills Energy’s commitment to support education and foster talent within the industry. The Gas Utility program helps to cultivate a skilled workforce for energy companies. We are happy to have positive relationships with the staff and faculty at NICC who understand the needs of our team and directly contribute to the advancement in the gas utility sector with the partnership,” said Nicole Breitbach, senior community affairs manager for Black Hills Energy.
Together with energy industry leaders like Black Hills Energy, NICC is helping build our region’s workforce.
