Grant Supports Gas Industry Training for Displaced Workers
Published 04.26.2010
Pennsylvania College of Technology has received a $94,000 grant that focuses primarily on training displaced workers for jobs in the natural gas industry.
The Northern Tier Natural Gas Pre-Employment Training grant is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry through the Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission. It enables Penn College, through its Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center, to provide training through the pre-employment "Fit 4 Natural Gas" (roustabout) program.
The grant allows the college to cover part of the tuition for program participants. The short-term program offers valuable fundamental skills and certifications that allow entry-level workers to understand more about the oil and gas industry and increase their chances of obtaining employment. The three phases of the "Fit 4 Natural Gas" program address readiness and "soft" skills (such as communication, resume writing and interviewing strategies, etc.), industry safety, and oilfield and technical training.
"This grant has enabled Penn College, through the Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center, to make the connection with the local workforce and the natural gas industry," said Jeffrey F. Lorson, director of MSETC workforce training at Penn College. "The program was developed with key support from companies in the industry. It packages some key certifications and hands-on training with a higher level of intensity to replicate typical working conditions in the field."
For more information about the Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center, visit online or call 570-327-4775.
For more information about grant-funding opportunities, faculty and staff may contact the Grants and Contracts Office at ext. 7562 or through its Web portal.