Illinois College Offering Courses on Oil, Gas Drilling

Southeastern Illinois College will offer two new oil and gas certificates as well as safety training courses

A southern Illinois college is offering several new classes and certificate programs in anticipation of a possible boom in oil and natural gas exploration.

Officials at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg announced Wednesday they'll begin offering two new oil and gas certificates as well as safety training courses. The classes will begin during the semester that starts in January. They are part of a partnership with Rend Lake College in Ina.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation last month that set rules for a process of high-volume oil and gas drilling known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking."

Karen Weiss, SIC's dean for career and technical education, says the courses will provide basic skills and knowledge for safe, efficient operation of oil and gas production equipment.

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