The Welding and Oil and Gas Symposium will be a great opportunity for welding and oil and gas business owners, managers, directors, presidents, etc. to learn about programs and training offerings at Dawson Community College. You will be presented with information on current programs and then given the opportunity to provide input.
These programs include DCC's involvement with welding and oil and gas through RevUp Montana, a grant provided by the Department of Labor (www.revupmontana.com). A goal of this grant is to create partnerships with key businesses. We will discuss workforce training and any needs you may have (www.dawson.edu/about-dcc/workforce-development-and-continuing-education). We will also be discussing corrosion and the potential of DCC hosting a NACE training program (www.nace.org/Corrosion-Central/Industries/oil---Gas-Production) and looking at the feasability of a corrosion technology program.
A light breakfast will be provided during the networking and registration session. Lunch will be provided to close out the Symposium with a round-table discussion.
This is a no-cost event and you must register for the event to attend.
Bobbi Laine, Masters in Computer Education
Ms. Laine earned her Bachelor's Degree in German, Math, Russian and Education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in December 1974. She began her career teaching high school German, Math, Russian and Computers. She then taught full-time math at Moraine Park Technical College from 1985-1997. She earned her Master's in Computer Education in 1992. She has taught computers and German in Estonia, taught at a university in China, a high school in Latvia and taught grades 2 to 10 in Australia. She served as the dean in trades, IT, printing and general education from 1997 to 2010, and continues to teach part-time in retirement. She has been married to Don since 1974 and has two children in their 30's. Her daughter has two sons, ages 6 and 8, and her son has an 18 month old son. She enjoys time with her family and grandsons, traveling, languages, quilting and electronic gadgets.
Steve Wiens, Seward County Community College
Mr. Wiens worked various jobs in the oil field while earning his Bachelor's Degree. After graduation, he spent 12 years in the accounting and finance industries before returning to the energy industry. He was a contract pumper for 16 years, during which he earned a technical school diploma in the field of electronics and began teaching electronics at Southwest Kansas Technical School. After teaching for 6 years, he became the Director of Student Services. In 2010, he became the Director of the Title V Grant. This is a development grant that allowed for the start of 3 new progams. One of these programs was Corrosion Technology, which began in 2011. This program currently has 30 students enrolled for the Fall 2015 session.
Paul Hopfauf, District Manager, Montana Dakota Utilities
Mr. Hopfauf is the Glendive/Miles City District Manager for Montana Dakota Utilities Company. Prior to his present position, he worked for WBI Energy, Inc, where he served as Vice President of Business Development and led their non-regulated pipeline and energy services group as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Montana Dakota Utilities and WBI Energy, Inc. are part of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU).
Paul graduated from Dawson County High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Montana in 1991. Subsequently, he earned his MBA and a Master's in Management from the University of Mary.
Paul serves as a board member of the Dawson County Economic Development Council, Miles City Area Economic Development Council, and Dawson Community College Foundation. He is also a member of the Glendive Lions Club and Glendive Elks Club.
