Spire welcomes new Ranken Tech, Jefferson College students to cooperative education program

For the first time, the program is being recognized as an official state apprenticeship

ST. LOUIS (February 22, 2024) — To help prepare the next generation for careers in the natural gas industry, Spire is welcoming students from Ranken Technical College and Jefferson College into the Spire Cooperative Education Program — a two-year educational, hands-on experience that provides students the opportunity to learn and work with highly skilled technicians in the natural gas field. As the program enters its fifth year, the co-op focuses on preparing students for careers in natural gas.  

During a February 21 ceremony at the company’s St. Louis headquarters, five students signed on to participate in the fourth cohort of the co-op program. The event featured messages from Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Spire Missouri President Stephen Mills. Jefferson College students Tyler Midyett and Cole Simpson of Fenton were welcomed into the program, as well as Ranken Technical College students Joshua Gay, Michael Davis and Sylvester Young, all of St. Louis. 

“Ranken’s partnership with Spire has been key in helping students acquire real work skills while pursuing their education at Ranken, creating opportunities for students who may not have otherwise considered a technical career,” said Don Pohl, president, Ranken Technical College. “Our work with Spire provides pathways for students to earn meaningful wages through paid internships and to secure stable careers upon graduation.”

“Jefferson College is a proud partner of the Spire Cooperative Education Program,” said Christopher DeGeare, vice president of academic affairs, Jefferson College. “This program bridges high-quality skills training and work experience to provide aspiring technicians with a unique pathway into the workforce. The skills and knowledge they acquire will shape their careers and positively impact the communities they serve.”

The program was created in 2020 to help meet the demand for uniquely skilled workers in the natural gas industry. Since its launch, Spire has hired more than a dozen co-op students for full-time positions as service technicians. 
To learn more about the Spire Cooperative Education Program, visit spireenergy.com/co-op.

About Spire

At Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR) we believe energy exists to help make people’s lives better. It’s a simple idea, but one that’s at the heart of our company. Every day we serve 1.7 million homes and businesses making us one of the largest publicly traded natural gas companies in the country. We help families and business owners fuel their daily lives through our gas utilities serving Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Our natural gas-related businesses include Spire Marketing and Spire Midstream. We are committed to transforming our business through growing organically, investing in infrastructure, and advancing through innovation. Learn more at SpireEnergy.com.

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