College Receives Funding for Natural Gas Industry Training From Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Pennsylvania College of Technology has received a contribution of $15,000 from Anadarko Petroleum Corporation to support training initiatives for workers in the natural gas industry.

Penn College, through its Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center, will use the funding from the natural gas producer to develop and implement noncredit training courses specifically designed to support Marcellus Shale development.

Penn College and the MSETC have committed to offering intensive, short-term programs to address the basic skills needed for the success of Marcellus Shale exploration, development and production for Marcellus Shale production companies and their contractors.

"This investment clearly shows the commitment that Anadarko has in developing a local workforce to support the Marcellus Shale development," said Penn College President Davie J. Gilmour. "We have been working very closely with the natural gas industry for the past year to identify its training needs and to develop courses to specifically address those needs."

"It is our hope that this contribution enhances the education and workforce development programs that Penn College provides for our industry," said Chris Doyle, Anadarko general manager for the Appalachian Basin. "The natural gas industry needs qualified, local men and women in Pennsylvania to meet the challenges of exploring for, producing and transporting this clean-burning domestic resource that represents a foundation for our energy future and security in America."

According to Jeffrey F. Lorson, industrial technology specialist for the MSETC, "We are experiencing an increasing demand for training workers for this industry, and Anadarko's investment is a tremendous help as we acquire specific equipment, dedicate additional classroom and lab space, and design and implement new curriculum to support those needs."

Penn College already offers a number of noncredit programs addressing the requirements of the blossoming industry, including Class "A" Commercial Driver Training and API (American Petroleum Institute) 1104 Down-Hand Welding training and certifications.

In addition, the college is partnering with the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corp. and the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission to offer a series of pre-employment training sessions addressing the foundational skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions in the natural gas industry. The first session is scheduled for Jan. 25 at Penn College's North Campus near Wellsboro.

For more information about the Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center, visit online or call 570-327-4775.

For more information about Penn College, visit on the Web , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.