At Sunrise Engineering, training is more than a service—it’s a safeguard. Whether it’s contractors working on pipelines across the West or internal teams needing qualifications to access job sites, our training services play a crucial role in upholding safety, meeting regulatory standards, and maintaining client trust.

We spoke with Jace Taylor, Training Services Department Manager, to understand how Sunrise’s training programs support our broader operations and why getting qualified is often the most important first step in any natural gas project.

Focused on Field Readiness

Sunrise’s training offerings center around Operator Qualifications (OQ). These include hands-on instruction and testing for:

• Pipe Joining Qualifications
• Steel Welding
• Tapping & Plugging
• General safety protocols for working with natural gas

Most of the trainees are contractors working for gas utilities such as Enbridge, Southwest Gas (SWG), Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Sunrise also evaluates or trains direct utility employees—and occasionally, internal staff members when client requirements demand it.

Who We Train, and How

The training is tailored to meet each client’s exact specifications. Rather than developing proprietary courses, Sunrise works with content provided by utility companies. That means every course is aligned with real-world conditions, regulatory standards, and company-specific procedures.

“We don’t generally develop our own content,” Jace explains. “Our clients set the requirements, and we qualify their employees and contractors to meet those standards.”

Qualifications typically include both a written exam and a hands-on performance test, making field-based demonstrations a critical part of the process.

More Evaluation Than Instruction

While “training” is in the title, much of what Sunrise does is actually qualification and evaluation. Many contractors already have a working knowledge of the procedures—they just need to demonstrate competency to earn (or renew) their certification.

That said, Sunrise is always available to assist with additional training upon request, especially when a qualification is about to expire or someone needs extra help before a test.

Consistency, Safety, and Seriousness

Because safety is at the heart of every qualification, consistency is key. Sunrise ensures that trainers are themselves qualified by the client, and any additional instruction can be delivered in person or remotely to meet individual needs.

Jace puts it simply:

“Class is only as fast as your slowest student. If you can get that student where they need to be, then the rest will be there too.”

And at the end of the day, it’s all about safety—for both the worker and the public.

Collaboration with Other Teams

Although training doesn’t often intersect directly with design or inspection teams, there are situations where collaboration is essential:

• Design team members may need specific certifications to access job sites.
• Inspection teams require qualifications based on client standards before performing their work.

In those cases, Sunrise’s training team ensures staff are properly prepared before heading into formal testing environments.

In-Person, Every Time

Unlike other programs that may rely on online modules or hybrid options, Sunrise’s training is always in-person. That’s because many qualifications require physical demonstration and observation of procedural accuracy—something that can’t be replicated virtually.

The Real Value: Peace of Mind

While there may not be dramatic success stories tied to individual projects, the training team plays a behind-the-scenes role in nearly every natural gas job Sunrise supports.

“It all boils down to safety,” Jace says. “When people are properly trained and held to a set of standards, things are taken a lot more seriously. That keeps everyone safe.”

Whether it’s a welder on the first day of a new project or a technician preparing for requalification, Sunrise’s training services make sure everyone in the field is ready, qualified, and serious about safety.