WILLISTON, N.D. -  XTO Energy, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has donated a pumping unit to TrainND-Northwest to expand its instructional capabilities. Sandblasted and painted, the pumping unit now housed in the high bay of TrainND's facility is part of a smaller version of a working field site.

XTO continually looks for ways to support the local communities where it operates and where its employees live, and TrainND has provided many development programs for the XTO workforce. 

"Workforce education and training is critical to our industry's ability to operate in a safe manner, and safety is our number one priority," said John Baker, vice president, XTO Energy Western Division. "We were eager to help when we heard the TrainND program at Williston State College was in need of specific equipment to enhance its curriculum."  

A specific pumping unit was needed to fit in the high bay. XTO was able to donate a unit from its Aztec, New Mexico, office, and generously shipped the unit to Williston to help expand TrainND's program.  

"The generosity we have received from XTO is overwhelming," stated Deanette Piesik, CEO TrainND-Northwest. "It's because of partnerships like ours with XTO that we can expand our educational programs and provide state-of-the-art training for the Bakken region. We are very grateful for this donation. It is going to help us tremendously."  

For more information on TrainND, please visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 701.572.2835, or stop by 421 22nd Ave. NE, Williston, ND.  

For more information on WSC, please visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND