For more information or taped actuality, contact Julie Kramp, 620-792-9278.

April 13, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Dueser

Barton Provides Training for Utility and Pipeline Workers

Barton County Community College hosts numerous training seminars each year for workers in the utility and pipeline industry since the new Midwest Utility and Pipeline Training Center was built on Barton’s campus in 2004.

Barton has offered corrosion control seminars for the utility and pipeline industry for the past 21 years. Midwest Energy provided a sizable donation in 2003, followed by donations from other utility and pipeline entities, to erect the training center over Barton’s corrosion control training field located in the southwest part of Barton’s campus. The Midwest Utility and Pipeline Training Center now is utilized to fulfill training needs for utility and pipeline companies representing eight states.

This month, the college will host a Gas Leak Detection Training School from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 25, 26 and 27, at the MUPTC building. The class will meet from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday; and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday.

The training is for individuals seeking a broader knowledge of leak detection, investigation and related tools regulations. The course is designed to assist utility and gas pipeline companies with practical training to guide personnel to be more effective and capable in day-to-day leakage detection, evaluation and control. This comprehensive seminar will benefit employees in both technical and management levels of the company.

This training is in cooperation with the Southern Cross Corporation of Norcross, Ga., the premier gas lead detection workforce service provider and manufactures of electronic leak detection equipment in the United States. The company’s training motto is, “Where safety is the goal, employees with in-depth training are essential.” This training meets industry standards and is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.

The fee for this training is $485 per person. Discounts are given for participants from Kansas municipalities.

In May, Barton will offer two seminars, including a Line Locating Seminar and Introductory Operator Qualified Skills Training.

The Line Locating Seminar by Metrotech is set for 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the MUPTC building. Instructor is Jim Grimes from Metrotech, a provider of buried utility locating and water leak detection instruments. The fee of $30 includes the four-hour training, refreshments, lunch and materials.

This class is intended for employees of the utility industry and will provide training for proper use of pipe and cable locators and water leak detectors, as well as give information about the latest analog and digital signal processing technology. Participants will learn best practices for using technology to locate underground pipe and cable to become more productive locators.

Introductory Operator Qualified Skills Training is a two-week course offered May 15-22 and June 5-9. The class will meet at 1 p.m. on Mondays; from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

This training is for employees of the natural gas distribution industry for performing identified job tasks to comply with federal regulations and industry standards. Employees who successfully complete this training will be prepared to demonstrate identified skills to their employers for qualification purposes.

They will be able to utilize current technology to perform designated tasks within the natural gas distribution industry; perform tasks using methods that comply with federal regulations of the pipeline industry; and complete identified tasks using methods that meet the transmission and distribution of natural gas industry standards.

The fee of $529 per person includes instruction, materials, lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and breaks.

Pre-registration is required for each of these seminars. For more information or to register, contact Community Education, 620-792-9266 or 1-800-732-6842, or send e-mail to krampj@bartonccc.edu.