Butler County Career Link will hold Marcellus Shale roustabout, or laborer, training program information sessions at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday at 112 Hollywood Drive, Pullman Commerce Court in Butler.

Seventeen successful applicants will be offered a tuition-free, three-week roustabout training course at Butler County Community College from Feb. 6-24. Tuition usually runs $3,000, but it will be paid with a grant from the federal Workforce Investment Act.

The grant is for people who receive unemployment compensation and have that benefit expire, or meet low-income guidelines. Other people will be admitted to the program if space allows, but they will have to pay tuition.

“It’s a very personal decision (to become a roustabout),” said Stephen R. Catt, executive director, BC3 Workforce Development, who said it’s hard to find applicants who meet the criteria and want the job.

Natural gas industry working conditions require laborers to move from site to site in Pennsylvania and other states. The jobs are physically demanding, may include 12-hour shifts for 11-14 consecutive days and include random drug tests, according to a program flier.

Applicants will be given a mechanical aptitude test and must pay $50 for a criminal-background check and a drug screening.

In return they’ll gain the knowledge and skills for an entry-level position and learn industry hazards, the flier said. The BC3 staff will help graduates develop a resume and job search skills and assist them with job placement.

BC3 plans to offer the course on a monthly basis beginning soon, Catt said.

“They (Marcellus Shale gas companies) are putting immense investments into our area as fast as they can,” Catt said.