KIOGA conference takes place at Hays High
by KAYLEA PALLISTER
On April 17, Hays High Students experienced the annual conference of KIOGA (the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association). Hays High was the home to this year’s conference which included presentations in the lecture hall and other locations and extended through Friday. This conference was available to anyone who wished to gain information and to learn about potential jobs.
Two local, independent oil people, Dan Schippers and Darrel Herl, asked Hays High if they could come and inform the students of the importance of the oil industry and the possible careers if offers. The purpose of this presentation was to try to entice new workers into the oil program as the majority of the oil field workers are nearing retirement age.
After the presentation, at least a handful of students signed up through Pratt Community College for a free week of training in June that takes place in Oklahoma. This training will prepare a person for a manual labor position on an oil field with a starting wage of $18 per hour.
Jeanie Michaelis, academy activity coordinator, said that, “It directly affected 10 or so of our students, so it’s worth it to me.” She believes that this job training is a good plan for students who are unsure of what to do or who are not ready for college this year.