W.Va. developing tech classes for energy industry

The project is aimed at meeting work force demands for the growing energy industry and is being led by the state Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Innovation.

Instructors are working with industry and post-secondary representatives to create the courses. A Department of Education news release said writing teams were meeting in Morgantown on Friday and Saturday to share their experiences.

American Electric Power engineers have worked with the state since the project's inception last year. They're being joined by faculty from Marshall University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, along with oil and gas industry representatives.

Education representatives from Ohio and Pennsylvania also were helping with the project.

"When so many groups come together for a common purpose, our students will no doubt benefit," said state schools Superintendent Jorea Marple.