ST. LOUIS (Feb. 24, 2020) — Growing up in Wrights, IL, 18-year-old Devin Chaudoin knew he wanted to work at a company in St. Louis. He is now confident that the company is Spire. “Family and friends always told me how good it was – the environment, the pay, the reliability,” he said. “I want a solid, lifelong career, and I know the utility industry can give me that.”
Chaudoin and four other students will sign on as the first group to participate in the new Spire Cooperative Education Program at Ranken. The program is a two-year, hands-on educational experience that introduces Ranken Technical College students to jobs in the natural gas industry. Participants who complete the program earn an HVAC associate’s degree while gaining professional field operations experience and mentoring from Spire employees.
“The amount of jobs that require skilled, technical expertise is growing,” said Stan Shoun, Ranken CEO. “The Spire Co-op Program at Ranken offers students the experience they need to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate.”
“By emulating the success of similar programs developed by Enterprise and Emerson, we’ve created a dual-track program that builds on both classroom learning and on-the-job training,” said Tim Goodson, Spire’s vice president for Missouri field operations. “We’re excited about this partnership with Ranken because we’re confident that, together, we’ve designed an experience that readies people for employment, and, from Day One after completing the program, provides them with the skills they need to succeed as high-quality technicians in the natural gas industry.”
On Feb. 28, at 10 a.m., Spire and Ranken are hosting a signing day program for the students. During the event, Ranken students will sign program commitment letters and receive resolutions from elected officials. Missouri Senator Andrew Koenig, Missouri Representative Dan Shaul, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, and St. Louis County Education Liaison Barbara Fraser are among the elected officials expected to attend.
Media are encouraged to attend. Immediately following the event, elected officials, Spire and Ranken leadership, and members of the program’s inaugural class will be available for interviews.
Event: Spire Cooperative Education Program at Ranken Signing Day
When: Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 at 10 a.m.
Where: 700 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63101