Training And Lifelong Learning

Programs and processes to ensure the availability of skilled workforce

Avista Scholars Program

Avista partners with colleges and universities throughout our three-state service territory to provide several different scholarship opportunities for students. The mission of the Avista Scholars program is to promote excellence in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering, leading students to become innovators, problem solvers and diverse, talented employees of our future.

Partnership with Community Colleges

Avista partners with Spokane Community College to offer a course that provides an introduction to the electric lineman field. It is held at Avista’s 10-acre lineman training facility and is open to individuals interested in entry-level positions leading to career positions in the line craft. Participants learn, through hands-on and classroom experience, the skills and knowledge required for the position of a line crew helper.

2009 Pre-Line School

Apprentices - All Crafts 2009

Journeymen Training 2009

Average hours of training

Training opportunities at Avista are delivered as instructor-led, computer-based, field and workshop that include: craft, customer service, environmental, natural gas, desktop, warehouse, project management, gas for non-gas workers, health and safety, leadership development, electric, flagging/forklift, line, apprentice, journeyman, power resources, hydro, power supply, and new hire orientation.

We are just beginning to track training hours via the new Avista Learning Network, an online portal for course information, registration and training transcripts.

Programs for skills management and lifelong learning and managing career endings

Workshops

Avista offers a series of workshops, open to all employees, as part of an overall professional and leadership development program. Topics include leadership enhancement and  workshops that help employees plan for retirement.

Aspiring Leaders Program

In its eighth year, the Aspiring Leaders Program provides development for those employees preparing to be considered for future leadership roles, given the large leadership retirement turnover expected in the future. This one-year program provides exposure to a variety of departments, training, mentoring and a team project.

Learning Center

Avista’s Learning Center was established in 1998 to promote lifelong learning for all employees. The center focuses on being proactive rather than reactive in terms of training and learning opportunities. Opportunities and resources available include audio/video tapes, books, journal/periodicals, self-study courses.

College Tuition Aid

The company provides tuition assistance of up to $2500 each year for undergraduate and master’s level studies in programs that add to employees’ improved performance and effectiveness in present or foreseeable jobs within the company.