Oil & Gas Industry Holds Job Fair in Jane Lew

WorkForce WV is sponsoring, in partnership with Pierpont Community & Technical College of Fairmont State University, local economic development agencies and companies within the oil and gas industry, an Oil and Gas Industry Job Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Jane Lew Community Center. The event is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the facility, just off I-79 at Exit 105.

"This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is looking for a career in the oil and gas industry," said Paul Schreffler, Pierpont C&TC's Director of Economic and Workforce Education. "Companies who will participate in this event are seeking employees immediately to fill open positions in this area.

"Anyone who needs a job, who is facing an imminent lay-off or who may feel like they are stuck in a dead-end, low-paying job should consider looking at this field of work. I don't think I need to explain to anyone the economic forces that are driving an expansion of the energy industry. The oil and gas industry in this region, commonly referred to as the Appalachian Basin, is actively investing in additional exploration and development of this resource. They need a capable West Virginia workforce to accomplish their goals."

Companies that are scheduled to attend the job fair include the following: Dominion, BJ Services, Halliburton, Jane Lew Hot Shots, Key Energy Services, Superior Well Services, Chesapeake Energy, CKS Pipeline Contractors, Weatherford, Schlumberger and others. These include large multinational corporations, regional corporations and local contractors. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes, as companies will be accepting applications at this event.

"Most jobs in the oil and gas industry offer higher than average pay and excellent benefits packages. The jobs range from well services to truck driving to basic labor-type jobs, often referred to as a 'roughneck.' Some of the jobs for which companies are seeking applicants are on the drilling rig itself," Schreffler said. "Based on statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, oil well drillers command a higher income than most other blue-collar occupations."

Other sponsors of this event are the Region VI Workforce Investment Board, WorkForceWV's Rapid Response Team, West Virginia Employer Advisory Council, Fred W. Eberle Technical Center and the Lewis County Economic Development Authority.

The oil fields are seeking quality workers with a strong work ethic to meet the industry's growing demand. General requirements for these jobs include the following:
* Have a strong work ethic and the ability to work as a team member.
* Have an ability to perform heavy labor in all weather conditions.
* Meet minimum age restrictions, usually age 18.
* Pass regularly administered drug testing.
* Possess a valid social security card; some require a CDL driver's license and/or a valid driver's license.

"Although working on a drilling rig is sometimes hard work outdoors in all types of weather, it provides an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking for a job with a higher wage and good benefits," Schreffler said.

Pierpont Community & Technical College is actively engaged in working with industry partners to prepare a qualified workforce. The college operates the Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Training Center to help people learn the skills they need to gain employment and work safely in this expanding industry. The training program, approved by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), prepares students who want to begin a career in the nationwide industry. Knowledge of safe working practices in the oil and gas industry is a major focus of the program. Students achieve IADC RigPass and CPR/First Aid certification. Completion of an IADC RigPass accredited program confirms that personnel have met basic safety and skill requirements, irrespective of the rig location. Hands-on training on an actual drilling rig simulator is an integral part of the training program.

"Come during the day or evening on February 20, and explore the potential within the oil and gas industry," said Barbara DeMary, Executive Director of the Region VI Workforce Investment Board. "It may lead to the start of a whole new career."

For more information, contact Paul Schreffler at (304) 367-4920 or paul.schreffler@fairmontstate.edu