MCCC launches workforce development initiative

College partners with PECO to prepare students to work in natural gas industry

Montgomery County Community College and PECO have joined forces to launch a workforce development program that will prepare students for entry-level employment in the natural gas industry. The nineweek Gas Distribution Pipeline Mechanic Introduction program will run from July 10 to Sept. 6 at the college’s West Campus at 140 College Drive in Pottstown.

“More than 600 skilled workers are expected to be needed for repair and replacement of distribution pipelines in the region over the next several years,” Jim Fox, executive director of Workforce Development at MCCC said in a press release. “MCCC is dedicated to working with PECO, and other businesses and industries in the region, to develop a skilled workforce for the 21st century and help

area residents get the training they need to be desirable candidates in the competitive job market.”

As part of the course, students will learn how to perform tasks needed to install and maintain pipelines for natural gas distribution systems to meet the increased regional demand for skilled labor in the natural gas distribution industry.

The curriculum was developed through a coordinated effort led by the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development in partnership with PECO, and was supported by industry counterparts, including Philadelphia Gas Works, Henkels & McCoy and Utility

Lines Services, according to the release.

Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays. The cost of the program is $5,189.

Two open houses have been scheduled for people interested in learning more about the program. The first open house will be held May 24 at 10:30 a.m. at CareerLink, 1855 New Hope Street, in Norristown. A second open house will be held June 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the South Hall Community Room on MCCC’s West Campus, 101 College Drive in Pottstown.

To register for one of the open houses, call Debbie Serano at 215-218-3886. For more information, visit www.mc3.edu/pipeline.

The Collegiate Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development is a nonprofit organization that is a partnership of Drexel University and five area community colleges including the Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, Bucks County Community College, Camden County College and Montgomery County Community College.

The Consortium provides a comprehensive, coordinated approach to developing a highly skilled workforce for the region. The combined efforts of the five community colleges, which emphasize advanced technical training, and a university, which offers advanced education, creates a unique model for education and training.

For more information about Montgomery County Community College visit http://www.mc3.edu.