Lawson State Community College Announces 2026 Natural Gas Utility Worker Training Program

Lawson State Community College is set to launch its 2026 Natural Gas Utility Worker Training Program, an eight-week workforce training course designed to prepare people for careers in the natural gas utility and infrastructure industry. The next course is scheduled to run June 8 through July 31, 2026.

Anyone interested in the program should apply on the college's website.

Lawson's program provides hands-on training in trenching equipment, skid steer and excavator operation, pipe installation and repair, CDL Class A licensure preparation, OSHA 10 safety certification, and CPR certification. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with the technical skills and credentials needed for entry-level utility construction positions.

Who qualifies for the program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a drug screening, meet the physical demands of the program (lifting 50 pounds or more), and demonstrating academic readiness through an ACT score of 18 or higher within the past three years; or completion of the TABE (minimum level M in Math and Reading). Participants must also meet DOT requirements for CDL eligibility and obtain OSHA 10 and CPR certifications. More details:

• Natural Gas Worker training runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may be held at either of Lawson's Bessemer or Birmingham campuses.
• Program cost is $3,400 plus required work boots.
• Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants.

To learn more about this program and other craft training offerings at Lawson State, call (205) 929-6384 or email timminifield@lawsonstate.edu.