Training the next generation: SEPATEC’s five-year workforce mission

July 20, 2026 By Keith Loria 0 Comments

▶ Beyond technical skills

One area that separates SEPATEC from many technical training programs is its focus on career preparation.

“The majority of the students that come through here have not ever gone through a formal interview,” Peña says.

To help prepare graduates for employment, Peña personally conducts interview training sessions and organizes mock interviews with employers.

“I host mock-up interviews with the students and invite hiring managers to travel here to the school and interview the student here,” he says. “It gives the marketer an opportunity to come to the school and have a different appreciation of not only the school, but also what the student has gone through.”

So far, employer response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’ve received nothing but great positive feedback from all of them,” Peña says.

Jessup notes that the continued success of the school is particularly meaningful because of the obstacles the organization faced early on.

“The fact that SEPATEC has been operating successfully for more than five years speaks volumes,” he says. “The school survived COVID disruptions, bureaucratic setbacks and numerous delays, yet it continues to thrive and evolve. Our ability to adapt to the changing needs of the propane industry while continuing to deliver high-quality workforce training is why we consider SEPATEC one of the greatest accomplishments of my career.”

SEPATEC is fueled by industry collaboration, with several organizations coming together to make the effort possible. (Photo courtesy of the Southeast Propane Alliance)

▶ Expanding with the industry

As propane technology and customer demands evolve, SEPATEC continues to expand its programs and partnerships.

“We truly feel that we have to stay ahead or stay along pace with innovation,” Peña says.

One of the latest additions is a small autogas dispensary used for autogas-related training.

“We partnered with a major company and built an additional small dispensary outside where we’re now tapping into the autogas industry also,” Peña says.

The facility also regularly partners with manufacturers that use the campus for regional training programs.

“We’re very fortunate that we’re partnered with several companies that when they develop new products, we get those products here in the school,” Peña says. “Rinnai comes in and uses our facilities because we have the tools and the water heaters here, and they conduct regional training here at our school.”

The facility was designed to provide classroom instruction and practical training in a controlled environment. (Photo courtesy of the Southeast Propane Alliance)

That industry collaboration has been a major part of SEPATEC’s success from the beginning, and many individuals and organizations contributed expertise, donations, equipment and encouragement to help turn the vision into reality.

“SEPATEC was truly a team effort,” Jessup says. “The support of the NCPGA board, NCPGA staff, PERC, key legislators, NC-PERF, GA ACCP and countless volunteers made it possible.”

According to Jessup, workforce development will remain one of the propane industry’s most important priorities moving forward.

“I believe America’s energy needs will continue to grow exponentially over the next decade,” he says. “Propane will play a critical role in meeting those demands. The biggest opportunity for our industry is building and sustaining a skilled workforce to support that growth. Unlike many industries, propane careers are not likely to be replaced by AI or robotics anytime soon, which makes workforce recruitment and training even more important moving forward.”

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