CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education is helping recent high school graduates earn post-secondary training that will prepare them for employment in the expanding oil and gas industries.

Prompted by demands of the Marcellas Shale gas reserve, the Department of Education teamed up with Retrain America and Workforce West Virginia to host a boot camp to help recent graduates and other adults with career technical training earn additional knowledge, safety certification and skills.  About 20 students are enrolled in the camp being held at Cedar Lakes June 3-13.

“The discovery of the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation has heightened the demand for skilled workers in the Appalachian region, including West Virginia,” said state Superintendent Jorea Marple. “This training pilot is one way we can help students make the most of the economic benefits this vast natural reserve brings to our state.”

Curriculum for the boot camp was developed in consultation with industry leaders, such as the International Association of Drilling Contractors, to ensure the highest level of training available for potential energy industry new hires.

The pilot is an example of a postsecondary educational college alternative that illustrates the West Virginia Department of Education’s efforts to personalize learning for all students to enhance learning.  Bureau of Labor statistics projections show that two-thirds of all new jobs will require some postsecondary education. Such training can include career technical education, two-year community colleges or traditional four-year baccalaureate programs, among others.

“The West Virginia Department of Education recognizes the important role career technical education plays in our state and our nation,” said state Superintendent Jorea Marple. “That’s one reason the WVDE is working with the oil and gas industries to provide credentials and skill training for a promising future.”

For more information, contact the West Virginia Department of Education at 304-558-2699.