Marketer Finds Value in NPGA’s Apprenticeship Program

Palmetto Propane in South Carolina is the first propane marketer to have two employees complete NPGA’s Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Jordan Lord is the second employee to complete the program, and the first apprentice of 2023 to successfully fulfill the requirements for the service technician pathway. Jordan began his journey as an entry-level employee with Palmetto Propane in 2021 and completed the apprenticeship program in just over a year.  Pictured above, Jordan receives his US Department of Labor completion certificate from Robert Kolb, the Charleston Service Area Supervisor for Palmetto Propane.

Stephen Lever, Palmetto Propane’s Vice President of Operations, has seen firsthand the value of using NPGA’s Apprenticeship Program. “We began using the program as a tool to help attract employees to our company. The program provided us with a platform that we could use to show potential employees a path for advancement,” Lever said. “It also helped us advance employees that were already employed with us. I like that it is measured by competency and requires the employee to learn and demonstrate that they understand the tasks.”

The Apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity to address your company’s workforce needs, with statistics showing a high retention rate: 93% of apprentices remain with their employer. Providing employees and prospects with a guided path forward demonstrates the company is invested in their advancement. Both new hires and existing employees are eligible to enroll in the program.

To learn more about how your company and employees can enroll, visit NPGA’s Apprenticeship webpage or e-mail Eric Sears at [email protected].