NRG Texas recognized for outstanding community initiative

NRG Texas, Limestone Electric Generating Plant, was awarded the Outstanding Community Initiative Award by the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Bard at its Annual Award of Excellence Banquet. Above, Chris Martinez, vice-chairman of Workforce Solutions Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, is shown presenting the award to John Fry, NRG Training Coordinator - Limestone Plant. (Courtesy photo) The Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board awarded NRG Texas, Limestone Generation Plant with the Outstanding Community Initiative Award at its Annual Award of Excellence Banquet on January 22nd. “The Outstanding Community Initiative Award salutes an individual or organization that has taken exceptional steps to better the community and the region as a whole,” said Anthony Billings, Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, Inc. Today, we will be honoring NRG Texas for their exceptional work within the Heart of Texas.”

NRG Texas’ Limestone Electric Generating Station and Navarro College partnered to establish an Area Technical Center. The ATC provides high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain invaluable employment skills and knowledge through a Power Plant Operations and Maintenance Certificate program. The ATC was conceived by NRG Texas in 2006, and after tireless work, dogged determination to overcome obstacles, and tenacious refusal to give up, in January, 2009 the first class of 20 students began their training that will lead toward the Power Plant Operations and Maintenance certification. The second class began this summer, and a third cohort to begin in the fall semester all ready has a waiting list for participation. It is of particular note that this is the first record of an industry making its plant site and facilities available to students as young as 16.