吃瓜黑料

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

To recognize Brett and Steve Avenarius’ success in the energy and utilities industry, 吃瓜黑料 has named the brothers Alumni Shining Stars this spring.

Two brothers, Brett and Steve Avenarius, followed vastly different educational and career paths through high school and beyond. Now they both work in the energy and utilities industry, after graduating from 吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gas Utility Construction and Service program. Completing the one-year diploma program trained them for high-employment demand occupations in the energy industry, with competitive salaries, job security, room for advancement and benefits.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 graduate from high school and returned to 吃瓜黑料 to earn my high school equivalency diploma (HSED),鈥� said Brett (pictured in photo at right, with Steve on the left). 鈥淲hen I earned my HSED, I learned about the Gas Utility program and I was really interested in it. This was outside work, with my hands and tools 鈥� something I have always enjoyed. It turned out to be the greatest move I could have made for my future and my kids鈥� future.鈥� Brett also earned a Welding diploma from the College in 2015.

After graduation from high school, Steve earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business and worked in surveillance and management for 20 years. He observed his brother Brett鈥檚 career success and wanted in.

鈥淚 saw my brother, who graduated from NICC, and he was making $1,500 a week. And that was more than I made in a month. So, I signed up for the program at the College. Al Dolan (Gas Utility Construction and Service instructor) helped a lot. He鈥檚 a great teacher, and he knows everything you need to know about getting into this industry,鈥� Steve said.

Steve and Brett are both pipe fitters for Intercon Construction. The company recently promoted Brett to foreman. They provide gas line service and repair work, as well all areas of underground line installation, gas and electric distribution and transmission. Both alumni are positioned for continued professional advancement in the industry.

鈥淭his is a career, not just a job,鈥� Brett expressed. 鈥淚 went to 吃瓜黑料, and that鈥檚 where it all started. I went from no education to making $60,000 a year.鈥�

To recognize Brett and Steve Avenarius鈥� success in the energy and utilities industry, 吃瓜黑料 has named the brothers Alumni Shining Stars this spring.

吃瓜黑料鈥檚 place in the region is forever connected to the thousands of students of all ages who enrolled, completed a degree and started bright career futures. NICC alumni have made a powerful impact on local communities and are often connected to one another as family; their success stories honor the College and its mission and purpose. In this spirit, the College honors Alumni Shining Stars during the year to celebrate standout graduates who have transformed their lives and families through their example.

Tags: Alumni Shining Star