New Oil and Gas Training Center Announced
On May 29, 2013, WV Governor Ray Tomblin announced the establishment of the Appalachian Petroleum Technology Training Center, which will include joint programs hosted by West Virginia Northern Community College and Pierpont Community and Technical College and is supported in part by the oil and gas industry. Students will have the opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree or a one-year certificate program in the field of petroleum technology through the program, which opens next fall. The Center will have hands-on facilities, including indoor and outdoor drilling simulation laboratories. Corky Demarco, Executive Director for the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association, noted that “Having business and industry involved in the curriculum and facility planning gives us confidence that graduates will have the skills and hands-on training needed for industry careers.”