“When TC Energy operates in an area, we’re doing a lot more than just providing jobs or economic stimulation,” said Sally Jane McLaughlin, Administrative Analyst for TC Energy in Spokane.
She and other company representatives toured NEWTech Prep this week after presenting a $49,000 grant to skilled trades students through TC Energy’s Build Strong program.
TC Energy is one of North America’s leading energy infrastructure companies, with operations in natural gas, oil, and power industries. Build Strong gives the company a chance to make a social impact.
“Whether that’s providing grants or scholarship opportunities for students pursuing careers in STEM or the trades or volunteering our employees’ time for events like today’s career panel presentation with the NEWTech students,” said Sally.
Josiah Kaiser, a welding student at NEWTech, showed TC Energy employees the skilled trades programs. In the welding department, they saw the direct impacts of the grant. Most of the money went toward expanding and providing state-of-the-art equipment for NEWTech Prep’s Welding Technology and Energy and Power programs.
“It means a lot because everything costs money,” said Josiah. “We only have a certain budget, so with these grants, we’re able to get more welding rods and wire, and Argonne and oxygen, and welding machines.”
After the tour, Josiah and the rest of his peers listened and asked questions of Sally and other TC Energy employees during a career panel presentation.
“We realize that our biggest asset is our people, so when we’re here inspiring this future generation of problem solvers, we feel really proud that we can contribute to providing them tools and resources they need to develop the skills that we will be able to rely on in the future,” said Sally.
Thanks to companies like TC Energy, students at NEWTech Prep are gaining experiences that will guide them to real world success in a skilled trade of their choice.