API to roll out training courses on pipeline construction

New training courses on pipeline construction safety in West Virginia, Ohio and California have been launched through a partnership between the American Petroleum Institute and the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU).

The Pipeline Construction Safety Training Program incorporates the best practices of both the natural gas and oil industry and the building trades unions. It is comprised of a specific set of OSHA safety courses to address material handling, excavation, and fire safety. The courses are open to all NABTU members. When completed, participants will receive an API-U certificate.

“Safety remains the number one priority for the natural gas and oil industry, and we are constantly striving to do more to reach zero incidents – starting with the construction of pipelines and finishing with the delivery of energy to U.S. consumers. The training programs we’re collaborating on are the foundation of our mutual priorities of safety, job growth and economic opportunity for American workers,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. “The benefits of America’s energy revolution are built upon the hard work of highly skilled craft tradesmen and women across the nation – and it’s our priority to cultivate a culture of safety for them. Together, we have brought about an American energy revolution that has delivered positive change to America’s workers, consumers, and the environment.”

The first courses will be rolled out at NABTU training facilities in West Virginia, Ohio, and California in February and March. More will be scheduled throughout the year.

“American workers know the importance of new energy infrastructure,” NABTU President Sean McGarvey said. “Building things is what we do, and the partnership between the natural gas and oil industry and North America’s Building Trades Unions is critical to ensuring that our members have a foundational understanding of best practices and key safety measures when it comes to pipeline infrastructure. Our members are the most highly skilled craftspeople in the industry, and we are proud to be a part of building the infrastructure that delivers abundant, reliable and affordable energy to U.S. consumers.”

NABTU represent over 3 million skilled trade professionals in the United States and Canada.