Monday, August 23, 2010
Chesapeake demonstrated its support of the future oil and natural gas industry work force on August 19 through the donation of a 2007 Ford F-150 truck, formerly of Chesapeake’s work fleet, to Panola College.
Chesapeake handed over the keys to the vehicle, which will be used in the Oil and Natural Gas Technology Program, a four-semester program designed to fill a work force need by preparing students for careers in the oil and gas industry. The donated vehicle will transport equipment between the program’s two locations, drive students to oil and natural gas wellsites and act as a recruiting tool.
Students enrolled in the program follow a curriculum created in cooperation with representatives from the oil and natural gas industry and receive hands-on technical training. Students also have the option to receive training at the Shelby Regional Training Center in Center or Panola College's main campus in Carthage, said Joe Shannon, Panola College’s Dean of Instruction.
"We are thrilled to not only have the support of Chesapeake as a member of the Oil and Natural Gas Technology Program's advisory board, but also through the donation of this vehicle," said Shannon. "With the use of the truck, the program will be allowed to bring real-world technology back to the campuses and expand the program’s reach to the Carthage, Texas, campus. Chesapeake stepped up, and we are so appreciative for their help."
Panola College's Oil and Natural Gas Technology Program is a four-semester program of study in which upon completion students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program has grown to include 150 students, with 75 new students enrolled for the upcoming fall semester.