The Utility Technician program at Marshalltown Community College has found a strong friend and partner in Black Hills Energy Iowa gas operations. Black Hills Energy serves 132 communities across Iowa and is one of many companies struggling to find qualified utility technicians to fill open positions. When they learned of the Utility Technician program at MCC, they knew immediately they wanted to help make the program as successful as possible.
As part of their desire to see more students entering the Utility Technician program, Black Hills Energy has pledged to provide $2,000 per year in scholarships to students entering the program. Preference will be given to students residing in areas where Black Hills provides service. This is the second year that Black Hills has provided the scholarship gift.
Additionally, to support the effective training of students during their class time, Black Hills Energy has donated a natural gas service truck to the program, so students can practice with the same kind of equipment as they will eventually use in the field during future employment.
While they were on campus to present the check, Black Hills Human Resources Manager Jeremy Cook, Director of Operations Wes Ashton, Operations Analyst Mike Tiano, Operations Supervisor Summer Wade, Construction Coordinator Joe McAreavy, and Sr. Administrative Assistant Kerri Harvey also spent time interviewing current MCC Utility Technician students. MCC instructor Ron Estabrook said the majority of students in the Utility Technician program are hired during their first year and then receive their second-year training on the job.
Donors wishing to contribute to or establish scholarship funds are encouraged to contact MCC Foundation Executive Director Carol Geil for more information at 641-844-5747 or carol.geil@iavalley.edu. Gifts to the MCC Foundation are always tax-exempt!