Climax, Mich

Consumers Energy provided a $2,500 grant through its Foundation and played a key role this week in helping U.S. military veterans become certified in cathodic protection, a field in demand in the pipeline industry.

Representatives from the energy company are providing hands-on training to 13 veterans at its natural gas facility in Climax. The veterans are learning how the classroom training they have been receiving in corrosion prevention at nearby Fort Custer helps improve the integrity of steel and keep pipelines safe.

“We are excited to support this workforce development effort to prepare Michigan veterans for careers valued in the energy sector,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “Our Promise is to care for the communities we serve, and that includes training and developing Michigan’s workforce.”

The Consumers Energy Foundation grant went to NACE Detroit Section, which designed the workforce development program and raised funds to make the training free for the veterans they recruited to participate. The Fort Custer training has been taking place at the Fort Custer Training Facility. Students are staying at barracks on the grounds.

“Veterans who successfully complete our week-long training program receive certification that makes them immediately employable in the corrosion industry,” said Frank Rampton, NACE chair of public affairs. “The training from NACE is completely free to the veterans, including food and lodging, thanks to generous contributors. Plus, the use of Consumers Energy’s natural gas facility was critical to making this cathodic protection training session possible.”

Consumers Energy provided three instructors for field work at the Climax City Gate, where natural gas pressure is regulated and odorant is added for safety purposes. In addition, two Consumers Energy employees are serving as mentors to the veterans participating in the program.

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