WVU Parkersburg to offer Process Technology Certificate

Nov. 13, 2009

WVU Parkersburg to offer new Process Technology Certificate.

CONTACT: Richard Love, instructional specialist, process technology, 304-424-8000, ext. 640.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is offering a new Certificate in Process Technology.

The certificate will be available beginning with the spring 2010 semester.

Process operators are skilled in the technology of manufacturing methods, process operation, planning, scheduling, process maintenance, and process equipment, noted Richard Love, WVU Parkersburg instructional specialist, process technology.

Love said WVU Parkersburg's hands-on program will prepares individuals for opportunities in such industries as chemical; food and beverage; oil and gas exploration and production; pharmaceuticals; power generation; pulp and paper; refining, and waste water.

The college received a $219,900 grant from the WV Council for Community and Technical College Education to develop the certificate. The grant funds are being used for faculty, equipment, supplies and curricular development. WVU Parkersburg's grant award is a joint project of the college's Academic Affairs area and its Workforce and Community Education division.

The certificate will provide training in the areas of process operations and technology through credit and non-credit options. The program is designed in a modularized format to facilitate targeted training to local industries as a part of WCE's offerings as well as the one-year certificate, Love noted.

In connection with the new program, the college has become a partner in the Center for the Advancement of Process Technology, a national collaboration between education and industry. CAPT supports the development of a highly-skilled, educated and diverse process technician workforce for the chemical manufacturing, refining, oil and gas production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing industry sectors.

WVU Parkersburg's 33-hour process technology curriculum is also offered by 56 colleges affiliated with CAPT.

Additional information about the certificate is available by contacting Love at the college.