MARCELLUS SHALE TASK FORCE
Fayette County PA
Welcoming Industry Without Sacrificing
The Public's Health, Safety & Welfare

Economic Development Sub

                                                       MISSION

Work with the oil and gas industry to identify the areas of local business and local job growth so as to seize growth opportunities while providing a local workforce and engaging the industry to use local businesses for their needs. Identify the specific employment positions needed in gas & oil exploration and plan for the education and training to enable residents of Fayette County to obtain employment.

                                                                                                     ACTION ITEMS

  • Identify the specific employment positions
  • Investigate existing and needed curriculum
  • Investigate OTJ (on the job training) availability
  • Specify data of Fayette County residents employed, position held, rate of pay in the gas & oil industry
  • Determine if Fayette County education institutions are prepared to offer curriculum
  • Identify actual increase in local business growth and local jobs created 

 

 

                                                   PARTICIPANTS  

  • Mikal Zimmerman, Public Affairs Coordinator, Chevron
  • Joseph Segilia III, Director of Outreach, Penn State Fayette Campus
  • Patrick E. Gerity, Ph.D , Westmoreland Community College 
  • Beverly Braverman, Director Mountainview Watershed Assoc.
  • John Cofchin, Rocky Brashear,  Public representation

    Contact : John Cofchin Economic Development Subcommittee Chair by email  Economic Development Chair  

                       RESULTS - ACTION TAKEN OR RECOMMENDED

This subcommittee has learned of three nearby educational opportunities :  Westmoreland County Community College offers a three week Roustabout training program beginning September 13, 2010. The free training is designed to prepare for jobs related to natural gas drilling and production. Also, Laurel Highlands High School will offer a new elective course in Fall of 2010--- Introduction to Natural Gas, designed to provide students with basic knowledge related to employment in the natural gas industry. In addition, L.H. is offering an Adult course that, upon successful completion, offers certification in well tending.  The Fayette County Career & Technical Institute has announced classes for Welding and Gas/Oil Safety beginning March 2013.

In addition, useful information can be found at Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center

Job Links:     Marcellus Shale Jobs  ShaleZoneJobs     Marcellus Shale Coalition Job Link     PAMarcellusJob  FracTech

Are jobs being created?  View PA Department of Labor Marcellus Shale Fast Facts August 2011 report