With many different generations working in today’s workforce, GROEBNER offers a wide variety of training and education options.
With many different generations working in today’s workforce, there is a wide variety of training and education needs. Technology advancements, improved industry practices, and newer materials require ongoing education and training. Fortunately, natural gas utilities and industry regulators have worked together to ensure standards are established to make certain the infrastructure is installed and operated safely. The most critical safety component to natural gas systems are the people working on them – knowledgeable and trained crews. It’s imperative that system and product knowledge is not lost as the workforce turns over and the newer personnel are taught correct procedures and processes.
Employee training and education is an ongoing challenge for any company. That’s why GROEBNER has developed and continues to grow its training program. GROEBNER has the industry experience and understanding to offer you and your employees the training you need – whether training new employees or helping current employees meet industry standards. Our training programs are delivered by certified, experienced GROEBNER staff and trusted consultants. They are members of ISNetworld, certified by EWN, and use MEA approved training materials. Our training staff is also educated by our partners/manufacturers (McElroy, GFCP, MTD, Lyall, and more) to ensure understanding of the latest processes and improvements. GROEBNER trains on all products that we sell.
A distinct advantage of GROEBNER’s training is our ability to train to your precise needs. We don’t just offer standardized programs and expect you to fit them to your processes and requirements. We listen to your needs, review your internal standards with you, and tailor our classes to suit you and your employees.
Operator Qualification (OQ) Program
Per industry requirements, utilities must have qualified and certified employees to work on natural gas pipeline systems. GROEBNER’s OQ training program fulfills the industry requirements for pipeline workers. We provide you with complete qualification training, documentation, and record-keeping as your employee successfully completes the training. We also provide recertification classes, to ensure your operators remain in compliance, following their initial qualification.
Our OQ classes include customized content – we start with federal regulations, to ensure your operator’s certifications are covered and then incorporate your company specific processes into the training. This ensures the employee is properly trained on the system they will operate. Industry best practices are also presented to round out the knowledge base of the students.
GROEBNER provides OQ training on:
- Pipeline coatings and corrosion control
- PE pipe installation practices
- PE pipe joining methods – mechanical, heat fusion, electrofusion
- Damage prevention and line locating
- Leak detection and leak investigation
For your convenience, our programs and trainers are fully mobile and can hold classes anywhere. When training on PE joining methods, we complete the class by performing the destructive testing of the students’ fused pipe samples on site to offer immediate feedback and testing results. When testing and evaluation are required, the class is split up and final testing is given by an instructor who did not train the group to avoid testing bias.
It’s very important that you can continue to certify and re-certify your employees to keep their knowledge and skill levels up, even during today’s challenging circumstances. GROEBNER offers over 30 OQ tasks to cover many of the basic gas utility operations. GROEBNER’s OQ training ensures your operators are competent and that your program continues on pace and keeps you on top of the regulation game.
Natural Gas 101 Course
GROEBNER’s Natural Gas 101 course provides all your utility employees with a solid foundation in the industry. The 101 course gives an overview on natural gas – how the use of natural gas started, the history of the natural gas industry, how it works, and even a live gas demonstration. Many of our major customers routinely repeat this program to ensure their new hires and those new to the natural gas industry have a solid understanding of the industry they have joined. And it never hurts to offer your long-time employees a bit of a refresher as well!
Polyethylene Heat Fusion and Electrofusion Courses
Working with natural gas pipeline means field technicians and engineers need to understand how PE pipe is fused together. GROEBNER offers two courses that cover the major methods of pipeline fusion.
- Heat fusion – The course covers the theory of heat fusion, as well as the procedures to make proper fused joints. The process is covered with hands-on training. The various types of heat fusion are covered – butt fusion (both manual and hydraulic), sidewall fusion, and socket fusion.
- Electrofusion – The course covers both the theory of electrofusion and the actual techniques, with hands-on training. Types of electrofusion covered include couplings, tap tees, and branch saddles.
Leak Detection and Locating Courses
Maintenance of your pipeline system must be ongoing and precise. Two important processes are leak detection and pipeline locating which are both offered through GROEBNER’s courses.
- Leak detection – The course covers an introduction on how to pinpoint leaks using combustible gas indicators (CGIs) and training with actual equipment.
- Locating – The course explains the theory of using locating equipment and identifying your buried infrastructure. Course attendees are also given the opportunity to train with their own pipe and cable locators.
New Product Training
As GROEBNER adds new technologies and products to our company offerings, we ensure that our staff is trained in proper use and maintenance of those products. We provide product training to our customers on all the equipment we sell to ensure proper understanding and operation. GROEBNER can provide “on demand” refresher classes, if desired. If you’ve bought equipment through GROEBNER, we want to be certain your team feels competent installing and using that equipment. Our drive for excellent service means we work with you beyond the actual sale, to ensure your proficiency.
GROEBNER – Your "Go-To" For Training
Making sure you can meet industry regulations, as well as keep your team and customers safe, is a big priority for our industry. For 45 years, GROEBNER has made it our business to help you meet your priorities. Our training program is based on our years of industry experience and understanding of your needs. Let us help you keep your team up to date on equipment use and education. Contact us today to customize needed training classes and maintain your team’s knowledge, expertise, and proficiency in operating a safe natural gas system.