Spire welcomes five students from Ranken Tech and Jefferson College to its cooperative education program 

The energy provider has expanded the program to prepare more for careers in natural gas 

_{Jefferson College and Ranken students display their new uniforms after signing on to Spire’s 2022 Co-op Program.}

ST. LOUIS (March 9, 2022) — To help meet the demand for uniquely skilled workers in the natural gas industry, Spire welcomed five students from Ranken Technical College and Jefferson College into the third class of its Cooperative Education Program during an event at the company’s St. Louis headquarters. 

The co-op program is a two-year, hands-on experience that provides students the opportunity to learn and work with highly skilled technicians in the natural gas field. This is the third year the natural gas provider has partnered with Ranken for the program and the first time Jefferson College is participating.

“Thank you Spire, Ranken and Jefferson College for taking the initiative and demonstrating your commitment to workforce development,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “By developing people and equipping them with the tools they need to be successful, you are helping to create a stronger workforce and a stronger state.” 

The co-op program directly aligns with Parson’s top priority workforce and education initiative, which focuses on providing individuals the knowledge, skills and training necessary to fill high-demanding jobs in Missouri.

St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones also provided remarks. 

“Today is the launch of your education and career in the natural gas industry,” said Jones. “The Spire Cooperative Education program is selective, and you should be proud of yourselves for your acceptance. Over the next two years, you will have opportunities to gain real-world work experience to give you an edge over the competition. When we remove barriers to employment and give people access to resources to give them a living wage job, the whole city wins.”

To qualify for the program, students must maintain good grades, go through an interview process, and demonstrate a solid work ethic. 

The 2022 co-op students are: 
Jefferson College

• Shelby Bommarito (Fenton, MO)
• Daylen Whitener (Festus, MO)

Ranken Technical College 

• David Beck (St. Charles, MO)
• Arron Spangler (Godfrey, IL)
• Tin Trung Tran (O’Fallon, MO)

“During the first two years, our co-op students have learned a lot. We’ve learned a lot,” said George Godat, Spire vice president of and general manager for Spire Missouri East, and alumni of Jefferson College. “In fact, we have already extended several offers to co-op students from our first class. We’re serious about making this a worthwhile experience for our students. And now, with Jefferson College as a partner, we look forward to building on that momentum.”

To learn more about the Spire Cooperative Education Program, visit spireenergy.com/co-op.