WCCC’s ShaleNET program receives national award
YOUNGWOOD — Westmoreland County Community College’s ShaleNET program, which trains students for entry-level positions in the natural gas and oil industry, was honored by receiving the 2013 Exemplary Program Award from the National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE)
WCCC was selected from nine finalists for the national award given by NCWE, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges, at their annual awards ceremony.
“We are gratified to receive this national award for ShaleNET, which was a collaboration of WCCC, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Allegheny Conference for Community Development and PIOGA (Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association),” said WCCC President Daniel J. Obara.
ShaleNET started in 2010 with a $4.96 million U.S. Department of Labor Education and Training Administration grant awarded to WCCC to build a comprehensive recruitment, training, placement and retention program for high-priority occupations in the natural gas drilling and production industry.
Since its inception, ShaleNET has grown to more than 20 certified training providers throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York to provide Floor Hand, Roustabout, Welder’s Helper, Commercial Driver’s License and Production Technician training.
ShaleNET is credited with certifying 978 graduates for positions with 125 employers in the natural gas industry throughout the United States.
“One of the major factors that qualified ShaleNET to receive this award is its Talent Matching System (TMS),” said Dr. Patrick Gerity, vice president for continuing education, workforce and community development.
TMS allows job seekers to enter their qualifications and receive a realistic overview of the training they need along with the industry occupations for which they are prepared. Through TMS, more than 3,000 people found employment in the natural gas and oil industries from July 1, 2010, through June 30.
Through a partnership with Pennsylvania College of Technology for another federal grant, ShaleNET is now in its second phase at WCCC.