The American Petroleum Institute and North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are partnering to support a Pipeline Construction Safety Training Program.

The organizations called the initiative "a foundational safety program applicable throughout all energy infrastructure construction," which will focus on best practices in building trades and the oil and gas industry, Occupational Safety and Health reported. Topics to be covered include fire safety, confined spaces safety and fall hazards. Upon the course's completion, participants will receive an API-U certificate.

The program will use NABTU safety courses that have already been created through the Center for Construction Research and Training as a springboard, and will include a custom OSHA 10-hour construction safety class. The class will include information about pipeline safety that has been specially designed by the American Petroleum Institute and NABTU, Occupational Safety and Health reported.

"The program offers a way for industry and our union allies to expand the economic opportunities for workers and to help ensure that industry as a skilled and committed workforce capable of building the energy infrastructure our nation needs to meet ever-growing demand," said Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with the oil and natural gas industry to help our members be better equipped with the necessary skills to not just attain a job, but to find a successful career in construction," said Sean McGarvey, NABTU president.

The program is available to NABTU's members, as well as to pipeline professionals.