Gov. Wolf Visits Energy Technology Education Center

In his first visit since taking office in January, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf toured the Energy Technology Education Center on Wednesday in support of postsecondary education that meets the needs of regional and statewide employers. “Our citizens must have access to the education and training that jobs require, particularly as we continue to grow our energy industry,” he said. “Reinvesting in programs (such as ShaleNET) will help prepare people for jobs that pay.” ETEC, a training site for current and prospective gas-industry employees and emergency response crews, is a collaboration among Penn College, Lycoming County and industry partners.

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

President Davie Jane Gilmour greets Gov. Tom Wolf upon his arrival.

With the ETEC rig as the backdrop, a film crew conducts an interview with the governor.

Penn College's top administrator officially welcomes the commonwealth's chief executive, as well as others in attendance.

Gov. Wolf breaks away from the tour to shake hands with students.

The governor ascends onto a storage tank with Craig Konkle (center), coordinator of the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety, and David C. Pistner.

Konkle discusses the importance of safety training for first responders.

The visitors are treated to a display of what makes ETEC such an industry asset: live demonstrations like this "working" fire.

During the tour, Gov. Wolf fields a question alongside David C. Pistner, director of special projects for Workforce Development & Continuing Education.

Gov. Wolf talks with Daniel R. Mendell, ShaleNET U.S. consultant/instructor.

Mendell explains the tools of the trade.

A conversation on the significance of education

The governor shares a laugh with Rex E. Moore (up on the rig), ShaleNET U.S. consultant/instructor. At left is John F. Strittmatter, ShaleNET U.S. regional hub director.

It's all about teamwork!

Diane H. Bubb, ShaleNET U.S. case manager, dresses the governor in safety gear before he climbs atop the rig.

The governor dons a hard hat to join Moore on the drilling rig.

Gov. Wolf (at right) shakes hands with each student following their demonstration.

Stepping down off the rig

The two leaders share a laugh.

Students and Moore take a rest after their demo.

The governor obliges a journalist while the rig team poses for photos.

The students with their mentors: Moore (far left) and Bubb (center)

Current students provide a demonstration of the rig while Strittmatter explains the process.

Tracy L. Brundage, vice president for workforce development, offers insights on the training site.