The Ohio Energy Resources Alliance and Energy in Depth-Ohio were in Akron on Monday to thank members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18.
The union members were hailed for their leadership in working to maximize job opportunities in Ohio’s Utica shale.
The ceremony with Rebecca Heimlich of the alliance and Mike Chadsey of Energy in Depth-Ohio was held Monday evening at the union hall.
Operating engineers build roads, bridges and dams and help in the construction of large buildings and other structures.
Local 18 has been an active participant in job fairs to recruit new trainees to help with the increase in business from Utica shale development.
In addition, Local 18 has a training program in place to supply the oil and gas industry with the heavy-equipment operators to build roads, well pads and construction sites.
Local 18 serves 15,000 members in 85 Ohio counties.
Local 18 business agent Patrick Sink said: “Without question, Local 18 is motivated and excited to support the thousands of long-term, high-paying jobs that will be created from Utica shale development in the Buckeye state. It is our goal to help build and develop a work force that will meet current and future demands.”
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or bdowning@thebeaconjournal.com.