For Immediate Release
Orlando, FL | April 9, 2025 – Learning Alliance Newsroom

New initiative drives national effort to train, certify, and deploy safety-qualified utility locators to reduce damages to buried infrastructure

Learning Alliance Corporation (LAC) and the National Underground Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA) launch a unified workforce development coalition at the 2025 Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Conference & Expo to meet the surge in demand for safety-certified professionals in the underground utility locating space. The partnership, Underground Workforce Advancement Initiative, aligns training, certification, and safety practices into a single, scalable solution for the future of underground infrastructure.

According to CGA’s most recent DIRT Report, 34% of damages to buried utilities are due to locating practices. Adding trained locators to the workforce could help reduce that figure, protecting critical buried infrastructure and the communities that rely on it. “We don’t just train workers, we build careers that transform lives and move the industry forward,” says Cesar Ruiz, CEO of LAC. “This collaboration will provide high-quality training to locators, giving states and employers the workforce they need and giving individuals the opportunity they deserve.”

LAC provides hands-on training programs that prepare professionals for immediate entry into high-demand careers. NULCA delivers the industry’s accredited certification standard for utility locating professionals.

“Fostering the relationship between NULCA and Learning Alliance as we celebrate CGA’s 25th anniversary is fitting,” says Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of the CGA. “Together, these organizations can strengthen the industry by aligning training with the demand for qualified locators that will protect people, infrastructure and communities.”

This partnership creates an ecosystem that connects education, certification, and workforce placement. It promotes apprenticeships, advances high-skill career pathways, and supports workforce mobility. The organizations design this approach to future-proof the labor force as technology and infrastructure needs evolve.

The Underground Workforce Advancement Initiative drives workforce readiness at scale. It equips a new generation of professionals with the credentials, tools, and confidence to lead America’s underground infrastructure development—safely, skillfully, and sustainably.

About Learning Alliance

Learning Alliance Corporation partners with businesses, colleges, and universities to bring U.S. Veterans and civilians stronger training initiatives that equate to solid career growth. By partnering with employers nationwide, Learning Alliance Corporation has created workshops, labs and simulation programs that align the theoretical concepts with real-world application learning. This adaptable approach creates learning solutions based on the community-specific goals, industry, staff skill level, and corporate culture. Learning Alliance Corporation provides quality instructors who are highly trained and specialize in the areas they teach. Learn more at www.mylearningalliance.com or contact Lymaris Pabellon at lpabellon@mylearningalliance.com

About the Common Ground Alliance (CGA)

CGA is a member-driven association of nearly 4,000 damage prevention professionals spanning every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage prevention data and information in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA at www.commongroundalliance.com.

About the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA)

NULCA represents the voice of the utility locating industry, advocating for professionalism, training, and standardization across locating practices. As the recognized provider of the accredited locator certification program, NULCA empowers technicians and organizations to meet the highest standards in utility locating. NULCA promotes safety, workforce development, and operational excellence through education, engagement, and certification. Discover more at www.nulca.org.