PITTSBURGH BOUND — Five students attending the Jefferson County Vocational School have earned scholarships to attend the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable’s annual conference May 6-8 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Students who will be attending include, from left, Tanner Waggoner, Kylvin Merideth, Austin Knight, Gabe Glenn and Jared Koran. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — Five seniors attending the Jefferson County Vocational School will soon be taking part in the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable’s annual conference, scheduled from May 6-8 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

Tanner Waggoner, Austin Knight, Gabe Glenn, Kylvin Meredith and Jared Koran each received a scholarship affording them the chance to attend the conference and learn about viable job opportunities for their future.

The scholarship reimburses JVS for travel expenses, meals and hotel costs for the students and their chaperones.

Approximately 1,000 people attend the event, which offers keynote speakers, exhibits, vendors and demonstrations. Attendees can take part in workshops, as well. In addition to individual classes throughout the two-day course, which are eligible for professional development hours toward license renewals, an annual golf event and reception will be offered. Students will attend roundtable discussions, where they can learn from company representatives and peers, while asking questions. A three-day workshop will be offered in which to earn a certification, according to officials.

Carina Aulicino, career and workforce specialist at JVS, explained the conference gives participants insight as to what is happening in industry.

“One of the key benefits is the opportunity to earn an introduction to compressor stations certification, which could give them a competitive edge in the job market,” Aulicino stated. “The students will have the opportunity to network with key professionals in the oil and gas industry.”

According to organizers, the course is one of the most popular tracks and focuses on the basics, including yard piping, auxiliary systems, prime movers, compressor components and operating characteristics of reciprocating and centrifugal compressors.

The conference has played host to operators, engineers, gas pipeline managers, industry leaders and insiders who have undergone training. Classes are instructed by experts who have years of experience and are non-commercial. Aulicino said plans came to fruition through discussions with MPLX officials who believed it would be a valuable opportunity for the students and their future careers.

“We are excited about this opportunity and believe it will be very impactful experience for our students,” Aulicino said.

The EGCR is a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to provide the natural gas industry with cost-effective training programs which focus on engine and compressor maintenance. The conference, which has been held since 1973, is open to anyone. Attendees are not required to be EGCR members.