Conexus starts cooperation with Riga Technical University to develop new study programs
In order to promote the development of the gas industry and the acquisition of specific knowledge, as well as student involvement in the scientific activities on the topics of the gas industry, the unified natural gas and transmission system operator JSC “Conexus Baltic Grid” (hereinafter - “Conexus”) and the Riga Technical University (RTU) have concluded a cooperation agreement on the development of several study programs and implementation thereof at the University. The total investment by Conexus in the development of learning content and implementation of training is expected to reach ca. €155 thousand over 3 years.
Within the framework of co-operation with the Heat Engineering and Technology Department of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of RTU, 2 study courses will be developed for students and 3 training programs for the Conexus staff under the Lifelong Learning Program. Active work is ongoing on the development of study programs to make study courses and training in the Lifelong learning Program available already this autumn, when the new academic year 2021/2020 begins.
Jānis Eisaks, Chairman of the Board of Conexus: "The gas supply industry is very specific and requires a specific knowledge base for the needs of our company and of the entire industry. I am very pleased with the cooperation with Riga Technical University, because together, by developing new study courses in specialized education programs, we will be able to raise the level of acquisition of specialist knowledge and strengthen its quality in order to prepare the new experts in line with the labour market. Considering that the industry is constantly changing and evolving, the developed lifelong learning programs will also enable our employees to further develop their current competences. In particular, I would like to praise the commitment of our employees to this cooperation, which will soon come to a tangible result."
2 study courses will be developed for the students on the particularity of the gas supply industry – "Gas and oil transmission systems" and "Underground gas storages". And training of Conexus employees will be developed and provided in three different programs within the framework of lifelong learning program to strengthen their competences and current knowledge. These programs will provide the training for Conexus employees in accordance with the requirements of the Latvian National Standard 364:2011 "Natural gas storages in aquifiers and the operation, maintenance and repair of the transmission system".
As part of both study courses and lifelong learning programs, RTU will be responsible for the development and provision of 3 theoretical study modules, while Conexus will develop and prepare 15 specific training modules, by attracting its own and other professionals of the industry, and it will also train them within the framework of studies. The specific training modules comprise such topics as gas pipelines, the specific nature of the operation of gas measuring stations and facilities, protection and security in an energy company, geology of underground gas storages, the unified natural gas market and its operating principles, issues of European decarbonization etc.
Anatolijs Borodinecs, Heat Engineering and Technology Department of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Riga Technical University: “The implementation of study programs in cooperation with industry's leading companies provides the opportunity to continuously update the educational content with up-to-date information and access of students to the latest technologies. In cooperation with JSC “Conexus Baltic Grid”, the range of subjects offered by the Department will be expanded by comprising such topical areas of the industry as underground gas storages and gas and oil transmission systems.”
The concluded cooperation will last for three years and provides for the development and implementation of study programs until the end of 2022, with the possibility to continue the cooperation. New study programs according to the needs of study content may also be developed in the future, if agreed so between the Parties.