| The tristate region of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia is experiencing a new wave of economic activity, spurred by the discovery of natural gas-rich Marcellus and Utica shale deposits. Now the third largest producer of natural gas in the world, our region accounts for 27% of the natural gas output in the United States. Local industries and community leaders are preparing to harness the opportunities resulting from Marcellus-Utica deposits. Development projects such as Royal Dutch Shell’s $6 billion ethane cracker plant in Monaca, PA, are taking shape, and bringing a surge of new investments to the region. By some estimates, businesses could employ 380,000 workers over the next ten years in mid-stream jobs such as transportation and distribution, and in downstream jobs in petrochemical processing and manufacturing. The Tristate Energy and Advanced Manufacturing (TEAM) Consortium was formed to respond to the need for a properly trained workforce for these industries. TEAM brings together partners from industry, higher education, and workforce and economic development to build clear and accessible pathways to energy and manufacturing jobs in the region. TEAM partners have committed to raising awareness about in-demand jobs, preparing workers with the knowledge and skills to be successful, and connecting people to work-based learning and career opportunities. |