The first graduating class of the Peoples Gas utility training program was honored at a ceremony at the Peoples Energy Training Center in Little Village. Armed with their certificates of completion, the graduates now have the technical knowledge and specialized training to begin work in the utility industry. Launched in October 2016, the Peoples Gas Utility Training Program offers Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students from Dunbar Vocational Academy, Little Village Lawndale and Fenger Academy the training and mentoring needed to compete for jobs in the energy industry. The students develop the necessary core competencies and skill sets required for entry-level utility positions. Alderman Ricardo Muñoz (22nd) and Chicago Public Schools leaders participated in celebrating the graduation of the first cohort of students to complete the Peoples Gas Utility Training Program.  To complete the program, students received one-on-one technical instruction and performed hands-on assignments, visited Peoples Gas service shops, where they spent time riding along with service crews, and completed assessments. While completion of the program does not guarantee a job, students are encouraged to apply for project worker positions at Peoples Gas.