Renamed ShaleTEC Reflects Growing Opportunities

Published 10.04.2012

News
Workforce Development

The Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology has officially changed its name to ShaleTEC (Shale Training & Education Center), a designation more inclusive of current and future industry expansion into other shale and tight-sand formations.

Located in Penn College’s Center for Business & Workforce Development, ShaleTEC provides a centralized location for industry, students and the public to obtain information regarding shale and tight-sand workforce-development initiatives. Featuring participation from Penn College and Penn State Extension, ShaleTEC has provided workforce-development analysis, economic-needs assessment and training services since 2008.



Since its inception, ShaleTEC has trained more than 8,500 people in natural gas-related courses. The courses have benefited employees already working in the oil and natural gas industry, as well as individuals seeking a career change, including the unemployed.

The ShaleTEC name will extend the reach of the former MSETC throughout the entire Appalachian Basin, including Ohio, West Virginia, New York and other emerging plays throughout the United States.

Penn College has several affiliate agreements with Penn State campuses across the commonwealth, with plans to enter into additional agreements with training providers in Ohio and New York.

Through these affiliates, ShaleTEC is able to offer its comprehensive list of courses across a broader geographical area to better serve the oil and natural gas training needs of local employers and residents. Customized courses can also be developed to meet the specific training needs of an employer and offered on site, if preferred.

“This continues Penn College’s commitment to support the various workforce-development needs of the natural gas industry,” said Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour. “As shale activity and the natural gas industry continue to expand and evolve in the Appalachian Basin, Penn College and its strategic partners are committed to providing the infrastructure and support services required to serve the area’s workforce needs.”

According to Tracy L. Brundage, assistant vice president for workforce and economic development at Penn College: “The rebranding of the center is critical to our outreach efforts in the Appalachian Basin and beyond. Our new name allows us to better market our services and programs to stakeholders beyond the Marcellus play. The center provides a centralized point of contact for natural gas workforce-development initiatives and information. We have many program offerings, as well as funding, to offset the workforce-training costs associated with training industry personnel and individuals pursuing a career with this exciting new industry.”

“In addition to the Marcellus, at least five other shale zones are actively being explored in Pennsylvania today,” said Thomas B. Murphy, co-director of the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research at Penn State. “The value of workforce research and training programs available through the Shale Training & Education Center reach well beyond the Marcellus. Having a one-stop location for all shale and tight-sand workforce needs is certainly key to providing a skilled workforce and meeting local employment demand.”

For more information on ShaleTEC, workforce and economic analysis on the oil and natural gas industry, as well as available courses, call 570-327-4775.

ShaleTEC is located in the Center for Business & Workforce Development, 1127 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. A campus map and directions are online.