BY STACI WILSON

Lackawanna College President Mark Volk envisions a future in natural gas that could change the world and the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas is located near some of the Marcellus’ most prolific wells.

At and event held Friday at the New Milford campus, Volk said, “This industry will change the face of northeastern Pennsylvania; change the face of the nation; and ultimately the world.”

And with those changes, he also sees an opportunity for area residents to acquire the skills and training necessary to get jobs with the industry.
Started five years ago with a $1 million investment, the School of PNG has become not just a regional curriculum model, but a national one, Volk said. “We prepare them to walk out of the doors and directly into jobs.”

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation of Houston, Texas, recognized the education provided at the college and, earlier this year, committed a total of $2.5 million to the school, some of which will be earmarked for scholarships, equipment and internships.

Cabot CEO Dan Dinges said the company has not made any contribution to any other entity in that amount. It was a way, he said, to “form a partnership with young adults who want to be a part of the oil and gas industry.”

“It’s hands on experience,” Dinges said. “The students know how to perform in the field,”

He also said the safety aspect acquired by the School of PNG students was equal to the technical knowledge gained in the program.

Dinges said, “We appreciate being park of growing a college. The students can take the education and work next door, or across the world. It’s a skill set they carry with them anywhere.”

CEO of America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) Marty Durbin said industry projections predict 3.5 million new jobs in the next 30 years.

Durbin said the Marcellus Shale development was part of an “energy revolution” across the country, contributing to the U.S. enhanced energy strength and security.

School of PNG student and president of the Lackawanna College chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Ken Walter said that after working for 20 years at a publishing company, the facility closed.

At age 54, Walter said, “I saw this as the best opportunity by far. I can get a degree and find a job without being heavily in debt.”

He continued, “It’s a complete school. It’s not just about drilling. There are so many jobs in the industry, and room for advancement. Most of the jobs start at about $50,000 a year and they come here and recruit you.”

Following the presentation at the School of PNG, industry experts and Cabot execs along with several national energy reporters traveled with Cabot to visit an active drill site; a completed 10 well site.

Heavy rains and high winds forced the tour to abandon some of its outside plans. But the industry experts discussed updated and evolving technologies, including water recycling; completion processes; CNG fueling used for rugs; and Cabot’s CNG fuel station.