Local Training Available For Jobs In Natural Gas Industry

Three options for local training are available for area residents interested in becoming certified for jobs with the natural gas industry. Classes will be held at the Seneca Highlands Vo-Tech School in Port Allegany starting on Jan. 17.

Potter County Education Council is sponsoring the classes. For more information or to register, prospective students should contact Candi Hand at 814-545-1333 or candih@pottercountyedcouncil.org.

These training options are available:

• Certified Well Tender (with CDL): This six-week course is supported by many gas companies that have provided input into the course content It also prepares the student to obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL) with both classroom and behind the wheel experience. All graduates are guaranteed job interviews with gas companies. A certified well tender is in demand in such positions as lease hands, pumpers/well tenders, derrick hands, tanker drivers, hydrofracturing crew members, equipment operators, rig hands, roughnecks, production foremen and roustabouts. Course fee is $7,995.
• Certified Natural Gas and Oil Facility Technician (without CDL): This three-week course covers the same topics as the Certified Well Tender course, only without the CDL component. Course fee is $5,980.
• CDL Certification Course: This is a 160-hour comprehensive training program culminating in the awarding of a Pennsylvania commercial drivers license. Classroom instruction and range/road training is included. Cost for this course is $4,995.