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Nicor Gas Encourages Careers in Energy, Celebrates Careers in Energy Week

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Oct. 15, 2018 – Careers in the energy sector are continuing to grow and as the largest natural gas distribution company in northern Illinois, Nicor Gas is celebrating Careers in Energy Week (Oct. 15-19). Nicor Gas is partnering with the Illinois Energy Workforce Consortium (IEWC) and other Illinois-based energy groups to increase public awareness of careers in the energy industry and emphasize the important role energy companies have in supporting the local economy.

According to the Center for Energy Workforce Development, nearly 50 percent of the energy workforce will retire in the next 5-10 years. In fact, Nicor Gas has already experienced an influx of retirements over the last few years and has created a workforce development initiative that includes programs and processes to ensure that knowledge is transferred to new employees.One of those initiatives is the Nicor Gas Career Academy, which graduated its first cohort of 21 students from the six-week job readiness program designed to prepare participants for entry-level work in the utility industry, with a focus on natural gas.

“More than ever, there is a need to attract, train and retain a talented energy workforce,” said Pat Whiteside, vice president of Nicor Gas Business Support. “The Nicor Gas Career Academy is one way we are working to ensure the workforce is ready to build the future of energy.”

In support of Careers in Energy Week, which is recognized by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner with an official proclamation, Nicor Gas is participating in the following events:

  • Lincoln’s Challenge Academy Annual Career Day, Rantoul
  • STEM Exploration Day for Families at the Alive Center, Naperville
  • Careers in Energy, presented by the American Association of Blacks in Energy and National Society of Black Engineers, Bolingbrook
  • Science Works Career Celebration at the Museum of Science in Industry, Chicago
  • Made in Elk Grove Manufacturing & Technology Expo, Elk Grove Village
  • Orland Township Fall Job Fair, Orland Park
  • JA in a Day at Hermes Elementary School, Aurora

Students, educators and parents are encouraged to visit nicorgas.com/DiscoverCareersInEnergy to find educational resources on energy and teachers can learn how to apply for one of three $250 classroom grants from the IEWC. Website visitors can also read about the different jobs at Nicor Gas and how each position supports Nicor Gas’ commitment to deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to its 2.2 million customers across more than 650 communities in northern Illinois.

The national Careers in Energy initiative is led by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, a nonprofit organization comprised of electric, natural gas and nuclear utilities and their industry associations. For more information, visit cewd.org.

About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit www.nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four with 774,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas and related home services. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit www.southerncompanygas.com. 

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Media Contact:
Jennifer Golz
o: 630.388.3737 | c: 331.222.8716 | jgolz@southernco.com