North Dakota Ag Connection - Hess Corporation Donates Equipment to BSC Energy Programs

North Dakota Ag News Headlines

Hess Corporation Donates Equipment to BSC Energy Programs
North Dakota Ag Connection - 11/25/2020

The Hess Corporation recently awarded the Bismarck State College Foundation a grant to purchase training equipment for the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence's (NECE) Petroleum Production, Process Technology, and Energy Services.

The $49,312 award will be used to purchase hands-on laboratory equipment to provide students with the hands-on training in operation, installation, design, and troubleshooting skills needed for the energy industry. The equipment specializes in electric motor control and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology.

The BSC Foundation and Hess Corporation have had a longstanding partnership to expand and improve BSC energy program training and instruction.

"Hess has been very generous through donations of equipment, supplies, scholarships and more," says Kari Knudson, executive director of the BSC Foundation. "Their continued support over the years has been invaluable as BSC continues to educate the current and future energy workforce."

The new equipment integrates with existing pieces in the NECE training laboratories, increasing capacity and efficiency of the current lab trainers. Faculty will pair the new equipment with a portable cart that contains a computer, camera, display monitor and microphone to provide virtual lab demonstration for students studying remotely or socially distanced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We're fortunate to have the trust and support from private industry backing these essential technician training programs," says BSC President Doug Jensen. "Public and private partnerships are critical in providing the workforce our state needs to keep the energy economy running."

"This specialized training prepares students for realistic conditions in the workplace," says Hess Corporation General Manager Brent Lohnes. "We have seen the positive impact from the hands-on training that BSC faculty provide for our current and prospective employees. It's a pleasure to continue our collaboration with BSC to provide the best training for our industry."

Other North Dakota Headlines