BP Oil Company Approves $20,000 Grant for High Plains

 
 By Melinda Barton
High Plains Technology Center
 
 
In this time of increasing activity in the oil and gas industry, training for oil and gas workers like that provided at High Plains Technology Center (HPTC) in Woodward is vital.   Recently, High Plains Technology Center received approval of a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to enhance its existing Oil and Gas training program.  However, the grant has restrictions and there are some oil and gas industry training needs not included in the scope of the grant. 
 
High Plains Technology Center received word last week, that BP has approved a $20,000 grant which is earmarked for enhancement of production related equipment and facilities beyond the scope of the federal grant.   A check was presented to High Plains Technology Center on Friday.
 
“BP sees the partnership with HPTC as very beneficial to our company and in our industry.  The continued development of the training helps us make available an excellent workforce in the Texas Panhandle and in Northwest Oklahoma,” stated Dan Lawson,  BP’s Operations Center Manager, Anadarko Asset.
 
"This grant will allow us to enhance our production training facility.  It will make it more active for instructional purposes." stated Bill Jackson, HPTC's Assistant Superintendent for Business and Industry Services. "We are thrilled with this development and look forward to serving our partners in the oil and gas industry for many years to come."
  
High Plains Technology Center started its oil and gas training program in 2003.  Since that time, the school has trained more than 2,600 oil and gas workers in many aspects of the industry.   High Plains Technology Center is designated as the mid-continent training site.  High Plains combines safety training, classroom instruction and “hands-on” training during its unique 40 hour orientation for oil and gas workers.  Currently, the High Plains training area is defined as the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, Western Arkansas and Kansas.  
 
For more information on training for the oil and gas industry, contact Fernanda Carment, Oil and Gas Recruitment and Placement Coordinator at 580.256.6618 or access the High Plains website at www.hptc.net.  
 
 

High Plains Technology Center in Woodward received word last week, that BP has approved a $20,000 grant which is earmarked for enhancement of  production related equipment and facilities beyond the scope of the federal grant.   A check was presented to High Plains Technology Center on Friday.  Pictured are (l to r)  Dr. Bill Jackson, HPTC's Assistant Superintendent for Business and Industry Services; Ben Woodward, BP's H&S Coordinator, Central Performance Unit Anadarko Operations; Dr. Don Dale, HPTC's Superintendent; Dan Lawson, BP's Operations Center Manager, Anadarko Asset and Ron Walsmith, Director of HPTC's Oil and Gas Training Center.