MEA Energy Association (MEA), a national trade association who provides education, leadership development, and industry connections to distribution utilities, contractors, and suppliers, to offer more access to training for field leaders in the energy industry working in the Northeast.
In October, Northeast Gas Association (NGA) received certification from MEA to train and facilitate the Field Leader Training program in their nine-state territory. The program, intended for shift supervisors, crew leaders, and foremen, will now be readily available to NGA members in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
MEA Field Leader Training does not teach the technical aspects of field work or the traditional supervisory skills. This in-person training teaches leadership skills that are necessary to effectively direct the activities of a crew, work on the crew, and communicate with management. The example scenarios and cases are just like the ones encountered on the job every day. That means the learnings can be applied immediately when planning work, leading teams, and improving safety.
The curriculum for this training is designed to meet the needs of the field leader. Most importantly, it recognizes the opportunities and challenges created by the limited authority and age differences of field leaders and their crews. Course content includes modules on strong teams, effective leadership, recognizing & motivating crews, resolving conflicts, safety & leadership, coaching crews, planning work, working with management, and ensuring quality.
“A significant number of retirements continues to impact the knowledge and skill of our field leaders. It is more important than ever for natural gas and electric distribution utilities to recognize and identify leadership potential as early as possible,” says MEA President Patrick Van Beek. “The alliance between MEA and NGA allows more field personnel to operate safely and efficiently, which ultimately helps the industry as a whole.”
MEA has offered Field Leader Training since 2010, impacting thousands of workers at dozens of utilities and contractors. For more information, or to attend a training through NGA, please contact Eileen Sitte of NGA at (781) 455-6800 x117 and esitte (at) northeastgas.org.