CenterPoint Energy offers behind-the-scenes tour of new training faccility
To celebrate the grand opening of its new Hiram O. Clarke Training Center in Houston, CenterPoint Energy welcomed community members to tour the facility.
During the tour of this 150,000-square-foot training center, visitors were able to experience the training offered at this center. The group visited classrooms with equipment and tools and hands-on simulation areas with electric circuits and natural gas line connections, as well as wood utility poles to practice climbing and making repairs. The visitors were also able to see how the facility could be used for emergency operations during severe weather or natural disasters.
“This new training facility is a testament to our dedication to safety, which extends to our customers and the communities we have the privilege to serve,” Al Payton, vice president of safety and technical training at CenterPoint, said. “By providing our employees with the latest safety and technical training incorporating best practices, we will continue to strive to provide the safe, reliable electricity and natural gas that enable everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for our millions of customers.”
The training center employs more than 25 expert instructors who are currently leading approximately 400 electric apprentices and 320 natural gas new hires through CenterPoint Energy’s training programs. It will also host tenured employees for continuing education and support the company’s partnerships with Career and Technical Education school programs.
“This facility really showcases CenterPoint Energy’s industry-leading practices and our commitment to the development of our workforce,” Payton added.
The opening of the facility is also part of the company’s ongoing efforts to develop local talent and support workforce development and career opportunities for the next generation.
