ShaleNET Gas Job Training Pays Early Dividends

Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center, in partnership with the Potter County Education Council, has been approved as a ShaleNET Training Partner – one of just eight established in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. Having an approved training provider in Port Allegany brings pre-employment programs at little or no cost to area residents interested in working in the gas industry.

A federally sponsored initiative, ShaleNET supports recruitment, training, placement, and retention in high-demand occupations, including derrick operator, rotary drill operator, service unit operator, roustabout, welder/brazier, and commercially licensed driver.

Dividends are already being seen locally. In December, the first ShaleNET training was launched as a pilot program. The Career & Technical Center and Education Council worked with Penn College of Technology, Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning, Northcentral Pa. Workforce Investment Board, and regional CareerLinks. This session allowed instructors to become certified and provided 14 applicants with an opportunity to enroll. With a week of training left to go in the program, several trainees have already accepted positions with the industry. Four companies will be interviewing the remaining students once they complete the course.

Anyone interested in enrolling in the program, interviewing graduates, or learning more should please contact the Education Council’s Port Allegany office at (814) 545-1333.