Ameren Illinois unveiled its new Metro East Training Center on Oct. 4 in Belleville, Ill. The company has invested approximately $6 million in building and upgrading the center, which sits on an 11.5-acre site, just east of Green Mount Road.

The training center features state-of-the-art training rooms, a high bay for large equipment training, an indoor pole training area, and additional training space. CDL training and crane training will also be conducted in Belleville, the company said.

Ameren Illinois is anticipating up to 100 workers will train in this facility on the latest smart grid technologies and electric and gas techniques at any given time, according to the company. The training center will enable Ameren to enhance the skills of its current workforce and train new hires to build and maintain a modernized electric infrastructure, according to the company.

The company is considering a plan to construct a new gas training facility at the site as well. Ameren Illinois is also updating its Decatur Training Facility to add a second meter training section. Apprentices will get hands-on experience troubleshooting electric meter issues in a controlled environment.

Ameren Corporation, Ameren Illinois’ parent company, reported more than 1,300 total units in its fleet this year, putting it at No. 225 on the Top 300 Commercial Fleets listing for 2013.