BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP FOR YOUNG PIPELINE PROFESSIONALS
Kerr Engineered Sales, with T.D. Williamson and ZEVAC are playing a vital role helping companies such as National Grid transfer essential industry knowledge to the next generation of pipeline professionals.
The natural gas industry is facing a generational shift. Veteran engineers and technicians who spent their entire career building and maintaining the backbone of the oil & gas industry are retiring. In the pipeline and distribution sector, over a quarter of employees in key roles are “at or near retirement age.” (McKinsey) As they exit, decades of institutional knowledge and field expertise is at risk of disappearing.
At the same time, utility work has grown in complexity. Roles are increasingly specialized. Conventional industry conferences cater to those who already understand advanced technologies and applications. The younger and new-to-the-industry professionals are eager to accelerate their careers, but they haven’t been exposed to advanced applications and equipment. The result is a widening experience gap.
Ian Kornfeld, Regional Engineering Manager at National Grid is working to close that gap for young and new professionals to learn and ask questions from technical experts. In collaboration with Young Pipeline Professionals USA (YPP USA) and National Grid, he is championing events and initiatives to increase engagement and fuel career growth for the next generation.
Building Your Pipeline Pathway: A New Approach to Career Development
More than 115 individuals from the Northeast met at the National Grid Training Center in Melville, NY, for the 2025 Building Your Pipeline Pathway. The day had two objectives:
Provide high level overviews of key equipment, processes, and applications used in day-to-day operations.
Create an inclusive environment of continuous learning and curiosity.
Participants from all aspects of the industry rotated through 30-minute technical sessions led by subject matter experts. The topics and vendors were selected based on feedback from last year’s event.
Topics included:
Hot Tapping & Isolation- David Kerr & Ron Comer, Kerr Engineered Sales
State-of-the-art equipment and tools essential for safe repairs and maintenance of pressurized pipelines while the system stays in operation.
“We brought in experts who teach—not sell. David Kerr isn’t just an expert. He taught Hot Tapping and Isolation fundamentals - what it is, how the equipment operates, and why it matters.”
In-Line Inspection (ILI)- Jason Matocha, T.D. Williamson
ILI utilizes smart sensors to detect corrosion and generate precise data for repair plans, safety and compliance. Jason showed how ILI tools work, the kinds of anomalies seen and how the data can help pipeline operators make educated decisions to keep pipelines operating safely.
Cross-Compression- Michael Stephens, ZEVAC
The equipment and technology used to avoid gas venting and reduce methane emissions. Cross compression is a hot topic for National Grid and the wider industry.
Ian led a session about career development and hurdles he overcame. He urged folks to consider multiple paths within the industry, from integrity to construction to environmental compliance, to find their area of interest.
A scavenger hunt by National Grid’s Learning & Development team kept engagement high. Afterwards, a happy hour solidified new connections.
Feedback was very positive. The sessions generated interest to learn more; there was steady dialogue and lots of questions.
Championing a Movement
When Ian joined the utility in 2016, he struggled to find avenues to learn the basics.
“There wasn’t anyone officially championing young professionals,” he said. “I followed the experienced guys around and pried them for information. I asked a lot of questions. It took a lot of persistence. As I was exposed to all types of projects—transmission, distribution, gate stations, heaters and major repairs, it started making sense.”
Searching for ways to broaden his network, he discovered Young Pipeline Professionals USA, a Houston based organization with National membership. Through YPP USA, he met industry peers and got involved in leadership. He learned about broader aspects of the industry, including legal, customer relations, construction and finance.
Convinced that there was value in a mentorship and training ecosystem for the Northeast, Ian pitched to National Grid leadership. Without investing in foundational knowledge development, he explained, the company risked losing employees to more enticing career paths. Leadership agreed. Ian set forth to champion the effort, understanding the massive undertaking and time commitment, but with an end goal in mind.
Advice for Advancement: Ask Questions and Get Involved
The industry’s most experienced gas engineers and technicians started in the trenches and worked in all facets of the gas industry. Many spent their career at one utility and became experts. By identifying issues and problems, innovative solutions emerged. A lot of pride came with that mastery.
Ian wonders if the veterans aren’t making time to give their experience away to the next generation because no one is asking them questions.
He knows from his own journey, the path to a successful career in the gas industry is fueled by asking questions, seeking experience and getting involved.
Curiosity and Community
Ian wants to reverse the trend of employees sitting in silence when they don’t know the questions to ask or don’t want to look inexperienced. Instead of waiting for the knowledge to come to them, they must go out and get it.
“Instead of focusing on how to get ahead," he urged. “Be curious. Seek out the experienced folks. If you don’t ask questions until you truly understand, you’ll never advance.”
While the pipeline industry is large in scope, the community of vendors, contractors and operators is small and tight knit, Ian explained. Getting involved leads to meeting the right people and learning. When you run into them again, you build a community that starts to feel like a family.
What’s Next: Growing the Movement
Plans to strengthen the profession and build bridges for collaboration include:
Establishing a formal Northeast YPP USA chapter
Developing structured succession planning
Creating ongoing mentorship programs
Providing regular technical deep dives for early-career employees
As the next generation builds foundational knowledge, Ian is confident these initiatives will spark a steady flow of new ideas and innovations. Gas operations are more efficient due to those who challenged the old way of doing things. Instead of the mindset “we’ve always done it this way,” he encourages the question, “Is there a better way?”
About Ian Kornfeld - Regional Engineering Manager, National Grid, Melville, NY
Ian has been in the gas pipeline industry for 10 years. He manages a team responsible for the engineering, design and technical oversight of large-scale capital projects, with a yearly capital budget of over $150 million. Ian was part of the team that designed, built and completed a 10 mile multiyear, 30 inch diameter high pressure gas main throughout Brooklyn, New York. He is a licensed Mechanical Professional Engineer in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine. Other certifications include Project Management Professional, Certified Construction Manager, API 1169 as well as Institute for Asset Management.
About Kerr Engineered Sales Company. Since 1952, KERR has represented leading pipeline and performance equipment manufacturers across the Eastern U.S. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, the team continues to serve the industry with the same commitment to quality, reliability, and personal service that has defined our company for more than 74 years.
