Pennsylvania College of Technology, through its Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center, will offer training at its North Campus near Wellsboro starting in January.
The first offering will be an intensive 160-hour pre-employment program that will provide the safety and technical skills necessary for an entry-level position as a roustabout.
In addition to the roustabout program, a 180-hour commercial-driver training course will be offered in February.
Other classes specific to the oil-and-gas industry will include Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety training, programmable logic controllers, roughneck training, and well-operator training. Schedules for the additional courses are forthcoming.
"Penn College and the MSETC have become a resource to the industry for the development and delivery of training, providing meeting space for companies moving in as well as facilities for video conferencing," said Jeffrey F. Lorson, industrial technology specialist with the college.
"We are looking forward to being involved in many aspects of preparing our local workforce for emerging and existing jobs in the natural-gas industry," said Brenda G. Abplanalp, director of North Campus outreach services. "The opportunities for the Northern Tier are just beginning to be realized, and the North Campus will be a part of the economic growth stimulated by the industry."
