For more than 39 years, PeopleService has helped communities across the Midwest operate and manage their water and wastewater facilities. The company’s work requires employees to safely navigate the unique demands and hazards of the water and wastewater industry. For more than two decades, PeopleService has partnered with NIACC Continuing Education to help ensure its employees have training designed around those specific needs.
The partnership began in the late 1990s, when PeopleService was still part of People Natural Gas. At the time, its safety training was largely designed around gas operations and did not fully address the hazards water and wastewater operators encountered on the job. PeopleService turned to NIACC for help creating a stronger safety program that better reflected the day-to-day work of its employees.
Together, PeopleService and NIACC developed a training approach specific to the company’s operations rather than relying on an off-the-shelf program. The partnership led to the creation of a safety manual centered around OSHA-required training, with computer training also included during the program’s early years. What began with a small group of local employees has since grown into an annual training program for PeopleService’s entire operational team. Employees also earn credit hours through the training that can be applied toward their certification renewal.
Over the years, the partnership has helped PeopleService continue strengthening its approach to workplace safety. Customized training has allowed the company to address industry-specific hazards, identify the personal protective equipment employees need, and provide more complete training for its workforce. PeopleService’s commitment to safety has also earned recognition through the George W. Burke, Jr. Safety Award from the Water Environment Federation.
More than two decades later, the partnership between PeopleService and NIACC continues to grow and evolve. What began with one specific training need has developed into a long-standing relationship centered around supporting employees and responding to the changing needs of the business. By working together to create training that reflects PeopleService’s workforce, industry and day-to-day operations, the partnership has helped build a safety program that continues to serve the company today. It is a relationship both organizations hope to continue for years to come.
Inspired by PeopleService’s story? NIACC partners with businesses of all sizes to deliver customized training solutions that help employees grow and organizations succeed. Learn more about Customized Training or request a consultation to discuss your workforce development needs.
