Building the future bolt-by-bolt

How Spire is developing the next generation for America’s energy future

Skilled trades play a crucial role in building America’s future – but the persistent shortage of skilled workers poses a significant challenge to that goal. 

That’s a challenge Nicole Fondren, Spire’s talent acquisition manager, holds close to her heart.

“Skilled trades keep our world moving, and the demand for workers is expected to continue growing in the coming years despite the labor shortage. The energy future – and Spire – are no exceptions to this need — and that’s why we’re committed to developing strategic programs to develop and train the next generation of workers,” Nicole said. 

In 2020, Spire launched a cooperative education program with Ranken Technical College, a St. Louis-based trade school. Students enrolled in their second year of the HVAC program are eligible to apply for the new 32-week program, during which students rotate between two eight-week sessions in school, followed by two eight-week sessions on the job with Spire employees. 

Upon graduation, participating students are ready to go directly into service or construction jobs with Spire, having developed the necessary job skills.

“Working in the program has helped me become a better quality worker. It’s helped me be more coachable and understanding. I always knew that I wanted to work with my hands, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, and now I can see: This is exactly what I want to do,” said Te’Onna Blackmon, a graduate of the 2021 co-op program who currently works in the service department for Spire.
 

Making memories that last a lifetime

Nicole and the Spire human resources team wanted to make a moment worth remembering for students enrolled in the program, and the idea of a “Signing Day” was born. 

The idea is simple: Celebrate students pursuing skilled trades the same way we celebrate students pursuing four-year colleges or college sports. During the ceremony, surrounded by close family, Spire leaders and local elected officials, students sign their offer letter and officially get their Spire uniform. 

Highlights:

• Expanded the program to include two technical colleges—Ranken and Jefferson College— with plans to expand to other parts of our territories
• 15 students have successfully completed the program 
• 14 of the 15 students received job offers to work for Spire after graduation

In February 2024, we officially welcomed the fifth class of co-op students to Spire.