2006

For immediate release
For further information contact:  Nelson Garifi, 665-5220, extension 235

Natural Gas Industry to Create Center for Energy Technology at JCC's MTI

Individuals currently working in the energy extraction field or hoping to enter that workforce will soon receive training at the Manufacturing Technology Institute (MTI) on the Jamestown Campus of Jamestown Community College thanks to a two-year funding award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The award provides $80,000 over a two-year period for the development and implementation of training with initial offerings expected to begin next fall. MTI, JCC, and the Independent Oil and Gas Association (IOGA) of New York proposed the creation of a Center for Energy Technology in cooperation companies working in the natural gas and oil industry.

According to Rick Rupprecht, JCC's program development coordinator for this project, "This is an example of high world energy prices having a positive impact on job growth and the local economy. The energy extraction industry is booming.  As the cost of energy continues to increase, it becomes more cost effective for independent oil and gas companies to locate and extract energy regionally. There are some 20,000 people currently employed in the industry within our region, many of whom work for small companies with only 20 to 30 employees.  There is an immediate need, and there are immediate good-paying opportunities available for well-trained individuals at all levels throughout the industry, but especially at the technology level."

The program is expected to begin with a series of non-credit seminars to be scheduled during the fall semester to which employers can send new hires or current employees. Many of those likely to attend will be coming to Jamestown from throughout the northeastern United States as the center at JCC's MTI will be one of few training facilities of its kind east of the Mississippi.

"The incentive awarded to JCC will provide industry training and a certificate program to satisfy the growing personnel needs of the energy extraction industry," said NYSERDA President and CEO Peter R. Smith.  "This effort will work toward creating a skilled work force in New York and contribute to our energy independence through increased in-state energy exploration." NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the state legislature. NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $mart^SM program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some 2,700 projects in 40 programs are funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the state's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $mart^SM program provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.

IOGA of NY representatives were actively involved in developing the grant proposal and are assisting with program development. "As a businessman and member of the local gas industry, I am excited about the prospect of bringing new, well-trained people into the workforce to expand our industry," said Ernest Rammelt, IOGA president and owner of Chautauqua Energy, Inc. "The industry now has the opportunity to explore new horizons that, to date, have not been cost effective." IOGA of NY is a trade association representing the majority of oil and gas producers and service companies serving the state's energy industry. 

Independent oil and gas employers need trained workers with the appropriate technical background to work in an industry where equipment relies increasingly on computer-based and electronic remote controls.  Workers must understand natural gas compression, pumping equipment, and hydraulics, and be able to interpret data and information.

JCC President Gregory T. DeCinque noted that the creation of the Center for Energy Technology is in synch with the college's commitment to respond to the needs of the region's employers. "This partnership is characteristic of the unique role community colleges play in supporting the development of businesses and industries. JCC's MTI will provide a dynamic environment for this training. As individuals from outside our immediate area come in to Jamestown for training, we will be supporting the area's hospitality industry as well and increasing the already strong economic impact JCC has on the community."

For additional information on the new Center for Energy Technology, contact Mr. Rupprecht at 716/338-1322.

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