Page 9 - Sustainability Report

BUILDING OUR
CHAMPIONING
MILITARY
talent pipeline
our employees
leave
Southwest Gas recognizes that as our industry advances, the demand for technically trained employees continues to grow. In today’s environment, it’s essential that we maintain a pipeline of qualified and skilled entry-level workers to join our construction team.
We took this need directly to our local community college partners In Arizona and Nevada. Together, we developed a natural gas curriculum that gives students the tools and training needed for a technical field position at Southwest Gas.
Colleges offering this curriculum include:
• College of Southern Nevada
• Estrella Mountain Community College of Central Arizona
• Pima Community College
Students at these community colleges now have access to job-relevant coursework that will prepare them for a career in the utility industry.
Our Work Experience Program in southern Arizona offers students who have successfully completed the Introduction to Natural Gas course, and who are continuing to pursue a certificate or Associate degree, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and training while working on a Southwest Gas construction crew.
The internal College Collaboration Committee at Southwest Gas will continue to manage and grow our partnerships with local schools at the high school and college levels as we do our part to close the skills gap and grow our talent pipeline.
Employee Wellness
Our Healthbeat Wellness Program offers employees a variety of tools and resources to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s free to all employees and frequently provides annual incentives for participation in annual checkups or other wellness activities.
Local Community College Partners
Benefits
Rewards
Value
Wellness
In our Bullhead District Office,
Superintendent/Operations, Aaron Durivage
has experienced military leave benefit first-hand.
We’re proud to offer a Military Leave Program to our men and women in the Armed Forces. Our employees who are military reservists continue to receive their full pay, in addition to their reserve pay, when taking leave for training. When called for a long-term assignment, active-duty employees receive the difference between their military pay and Southwest Gas salary.
“I’ve been in the US Army Reserves throughout my entire ten-plus year career with Southwest Gas. Through their Military Program and the support from leadership, I’ve never once had an issue when the Army has required me to miss time from my everyday duties. At the same time, because of this program, I’ve never had to worry about continuing to provide for my family while fulfilling my duties with the Army. This, in my opinion, is one of the many reasons why Southwest Gas is an amazing place to work.”
Retirement
We also proudly help our future retirees prepare for a healthy financial future through participation in our 401K plan. Our 93% participation rate is 6% higher than the national average and shines a positive light on shaping sustainable and enjoyable retirement years.
Local Contractor Partners
CONTRIBUTIONS
93%
SSG Aaron Durivage S5 Plans NCO
US Army Reserves
Total Employee Participation
4 0 1 K
2016 - 2017
EDUCATION
$
Tuition Reimbursement Participants
2017- 89
2016 - 103
2015 - 112 16
assistance program
Our Employee Education Assistance Program provides reimbursement up to $5,250 for approved undergraduate and graduate degrees. Covered expenses include tuition, registration costs, book expenses and lab fees.
$
Company Total Contribution
2017-$234,923 2016 - $260,320 2015 - $284,285
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