The Utility Investigation School (UIS) continues to serve as a vital platform for advancing knowledge, collaboration, and professional excellence across the utility engineering and utility locating industries.
During a recent UIS program hosted by Ground Breakers, Larry Oliver, Director of Utility Management, shared valuable insights on why ongoing education and industry collaboration remain critical as the profession continues to evolve.
Staying Current in a Changing Industry
According to Oliver, one of the greatest strengths of UIS is its ability to help professionals remain informed as standards, technologies, and industry expectations continue to change.
“The engineering world, utility locating world, and designating world are constantly evolving,” Oliver explained. “You can never learn too much, and continuing education helps professionals stay current with the latest standards and guidelines.”
He compared participation in programs such as UIS to continuing education requirements for professional licensing, emphasizing that ongoing learning is essential for maintaining excellence and delivering quality services.
The Power of Diverse Perspectives
One of the unique aspects of UIS is its ability to bring together professionals from every corner of the industry. Utility owners, consultants, contractors, regulators, engineers, municipalities, transportation agencies, and academics all participate in the same learning environment.
Oliver noted that this diversity creates meaningful opportunities for discussion and problem-solving.
“When you bring different groups together, everyone sees challenges from a different perspective,” he said. “It allows participants to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and explore solutions from multiple angles.”
This collaborative environment is one of the defining characteristics of UIS and a key reason the program continues to attract industry leaders and emerging professionals alike.
Looking Ahead: Industry Certification and Standardization
Oliver also highlighted what he believes is one of the most important developments on the horizon: the establishment of formal qualification and certification programs for field technicians involved in utility investigations.
While professional standards already exist for engineers, industry leaders are actively exploring certification pathways for technicians performing utility designation, field markings, and test-hole investigations.
Such certifications would provide additional quality assurance for engineering firms and project owners while recognizing the skills and experience of field professionals.
Oliver emphasized that many technicians possess decades of expertise and deserve opportunities to demonstrate their qualifications through recognized industry credentials.
A Commitment to Hosting and Industry Growth
This UIS program marked the first time Ground Breakers hosted the course at its facility. Oliver described the experience as an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, encourage networking, and support industry-wide education.
He encouraged other organizations to consider hosting future UIS programs and expressed Ground Breakers’ enthusiasm for continuing its partnership with BAMI-I, UIS, and UESI.
“These events bring the industry together,” Oliver said. “That ongoing education and collaboration are what matter most.”
Building the Future Together
The conversation with Larry Oliver reinforces a central mission shared by BAMI-I and UIS: advancing industry knowledge through education, collaboration, and the development of professional standards.
As the utility engineering and utility locating professions continue to evolve, programs like UIS remain essential for preparing professionals to meet new challenges, adopt emerging best practices, and build stronger connections across the industry.
BAMI-I extends its sincere appreciation to Ground Breakers and Larry Oliver for their support, leadership, and commitment to advancing education throughout the utility infrastructure community.
