Governor Tomblin, alongside two state community and technical colleges, announced the donation of $250,000 to the Appalachian Petroleum Training Center Wednesday, meant to enhance and expand the program.
Tomblin made the announcement at the Capitol with Noble Energy Senior Vice President Gary Willingham
The company has committed the one time dollars to Pierpont and Northern Community Technical Colleges, the two schools that host the petroleum training center.
“This program helps build and sustain the pipeline of trained skilled graduates who will be prepared to work in this industry in this region for many years to come,” Willingham said before presenting the check to the governor and college presidents.
One of 14 programs in the nation, the one and two year degrees at APTC give students hands on training for jobs in production, service and drilling in the Marcellus shale industry.
The donation will be used to buy new equipment, offer student scholarships and fund recruiting efforts for the schools.