NEW PHILADELPHIA –Buckeye Career Center students will be able to reflect on a recent oil and gas production well pad tour as they continue their education in the field.

More than 20 BCC Energy Operations, Natural Resources, and Ag & Diesel students recently toured the Encino Energy well pad in Harrison County. The day started with informative videos on the oil and gas industry and careers and concluded with safety procedures. Encino also provided fire-retardant suits and hard hats for each student to wear to the well-pad. The students were transported by bus to the well-site and toured the facility for nearly two hours before heading back to BCC for a question and answer session with Encino engineers. 

During the tour, students learned about the process of how natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil are extracted and delivered from the wells to market. BCC Energy Operations instructor Brandon Irwin believes the tour will help his junior students better understand well pads as they learn more about oil and gas next school year. 

“It was great to see the entire process from drilling to actually separating the gas, water, and oil. It’s nice to actually see what we talk about in class. I think it makes a lot more sense to the kids now,” he says.

Tuscarawas County Commissioner and former 98th district State Representative Al Landis requested the tour and attended with the students. He said he thinks the trip will help students better understand the impact oil and gas has on Tuscarawas and surrounding counties. 

“Encino is a major player and a major employer in the field. They certainly make Ohio a major player in the energy field and these students are going to be part of it,” he says.

Encino Director of External Affairs Jackie Stewart explained that Encino Energy recently acquired over 900,000 Ohio acres and over 900 wells from Chesapeake Energy in a historic $2-billion acquisition. With more expected growth, Stewart says the company’s long-term approach includes career development for future employees. 

“We believe there is a way to create jobs and improve our economy while also improving our environment. Hopefully, the students saw that,” he says.

This tour was the first of its kind for Encino Energy. Plans are already in the works for BCC students to tour a production rig next school year. 

BUCKEYE CAREER CENTER