Roustabout training sessions offered
Free information sessions on Marcellus shale roustabout training will be held by Westmoreland County Community College, in partnership with Pennsylvania College of Technology, on Thursday at WCCC’s Youngwood Campus. The information sessions are designed for those interested in applying for free training for roustabout jobs in the natural gas drilling and production industry and will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Founders Hall amphitheater.
Roustabouts prepare sites for natural gas well drilling, set up and operate drilling rigs and dismantle rigs for movement to another location. They work around moving equipment such as forklifts, backhoes and excavators, and carry 80-pound bags of concrete and heavy pipe.
“This is physically demanding work requiring 12-hour shifts outside in all kinds of weather,” said James Hayes, WCCC director of workforce development.
Some drilling jobs require 14 consecutive working days with 14 days off.
“Employers will not tolerate drugs and workers will be randomly drug tested,” said Hayes.
The three-week roustabout training program will begin Sept. 13, and classes meet Monday through Friday. The training is a highly interactive, industry-oriented program and will be taught by expert instructors. Class size is limited to 15 students.
The sessions will provide information on drilling rig jobs, the free training program and application process. The sessions are free, but prospective applicants must register by calling Pennsylvania CareerLink Westmoreland at 724-755-2330.