EGCC wins grant


Staff report

STEUBENVILLE

As part of a regional effort to train oil and gas workers, Eastern Gateway Community College along with other education partners will receive a monetary award from Ohio’s RAPIDS Program.

The Ohio Department of Education will present $272,263 to EGCC, Belmont College, Washington State Community College and Zane State College at 11 a.m. today.

The four schools are the lead partners for the SE Ohio Oil & Gas Training Collaborative, which will provide a systematic approach to regional training for the energy industry.

Officials said the colleges’ service areas have seen significant growth related to the oil and gas industry in recent years. As a result, the demand for skilled workers in the region continues to exceed supply.

College leaders, industry partners, and economic-development agencies are working together to develop strategies that will address the needs of the industry and the training required to produce a skilled workforce.

RAPIDS – Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills – awards higher-education institutions funds for education equipment, co-op programs and internship programs.

The funds develop and support the institutions’ workforce development initiatives that focus on furthering economic growth.

EGCC will purchase updated welding equipment for its Jefferson County campus to ensure students are being trained in appropriate techniques for the oil and gas industry.