SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University’s Leadership Development Center will host an open house Thursday for people seeking entry-level training in the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry. It will run from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

A four-week class will begin March 26. Those who graduate from the program will receive credentials as a certified oil and gas technician.

Erin Strain, director of the leadership center, said, “With the increasing demand for workers related to the extensive Marcellus Shale oil and gas drilling in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, there is an increased need for training for those who want jobs in the industry. This is an opportunity to get that training.”

The open house will give people the chance to hear information about the class and to ask questions.

The 20-day course will give the graduates general knowledge to a wide range of jobs in the natural gas industry.

The skill sets are basic to all natural gas facility construction, maintenance and delivery operations.