Penn College News

Congressman Explores Alma Mater's Role in Preparing Shale Workforce

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, left, views a realistic training prop at ETEC with David C. Pistner, the college’s director of energy initiatives.Daniel R. Mendell, right, a ShaleNET U.S. consultant/instructor, talks with Marino about a well-site simulator being set up with input from students in the electronics and computer engineering technology major. Seated is Patrick J. Reid, who is developing programmable logic controls for the simulator as part of his senior project.From left, John F. Strittmatter, director of the ShaleNET U.S. regional hub; Alice M. Schuster, project director for ShaleNET U.S.; Marino; and Pistner.U.S. Rep. Tom Marino visited Penn College on Wednesday to learn more about the college’s workforce preparation for gas industry-related jobs. The 10th District Republican spoke with employees in Workforce Development & Continuing Education, toured the Energy Technology Education Center, and looked at an electronics and computer engineering technology lab where students are helping to set up a simulated well site. Marino is a 1983 graduate of Penn College’s forerunner, Williamsport Area Community College.