Colleges in Pennsylvania and West Virginia Launch New Programs to Train Workers for Marcellus Shale Jobs

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Another Pennsylvania University is now offering training for those who want a job working in the Marcellus Shale, this time in Western PA.

A new Clarion University of Pennsylvania program will train participants for entry-level jobs in Marcellus shale gas drilling.

The natural gas technology program was designed with the help of industry leaders to ensure that students are taught what they need to know to find jobs, said William Hallock, chairman of the department of applied technology at the university’s Venango campus in Oil City.

The first natural gas technology program will be offered at the Venango campus in cooperation with the Precision Manufacturing Institute of Meadville beginning in early June. Courses will continue through December 2012.(1)

Clarion University is having an open house on March 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Robert W. Rhoades Center to showcase their new Marcellus Shale/Natural Gas Concentration.

We also find this bit of news on a new training programing coming from West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC):

After consulting with Chesapeake and other gas companies, WVNCC officials decided to offer the courses [for jobs in the Marcellus Shale gas industry]. Training to be available at the New Martinsville campus will include courses for deck hands, roustabouts, welders and truck drivers.

J. Michael Koon, vice president of Economic and Workforce Development for WVNCC, said informational meetings should begin in April. Koon can be reached at mkoon@ wvncc.edu for more information.(2)

(1) Erie Times-News (Mar 11) – Clarion-Venango to train students for gas field jobs

(2) The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register (Mar 10) – WVNCC to Offer Gas Job Training