Abby CoppingerStartup companies in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are fueling the need for geology, land and engineering technicians. The industry through the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) offers a training program, PetroTech, to give individuals interested in these positions the skills they need to get hired.
Developed in collaboration with Francis Tuttle Technology Center and Tulsa Tech, PetroTech offers technical training for individuals interested in pursuing a career in Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry or those already in the industry who want to gain new skills. The program has become a well-known and a preferred accomplishment in many of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas company’s application processes.
“The graduates we’ve hired have been exceptionally bright, and the skills they’ve learned through the program have brought value to the company.”
– Todd Coles, Land GIS Supervisor at Devon Energy
What began as a need for technical workers in the oil and natural gas industry, that were trained by the industry for the industry, is still moving ahead to bridge the gap where education, the desire to learn and the need for workers meet. Currently, a rise in oil and natural gas startup companies is creating a surge in demand for these professionals.
“In the hyper-competitive environments of the SCOOP/STACK and Permian Basin, the need for sharp individuals armed with a strong technical foundation has never been greater. Having access to qualified workers, such as those that graduate from the PetroTech program, ensures that our organization can stay lean while competing with some of the biggest names in the industry.”
– Caleb Bontempi, Vice President at Apollo Exploration
The PetroTech program benefits employers like Bontempi by delivering qualified candidates, but it also offers students networking opportunities that often lead to job offers.
“The program offers great opportunities to meet people who actually work in the industry. I wouldn’t have had those opportunities without the program and I was able to get a job offer while I was completing the last PetroTech course.”
– Stephanie Lemoine, PetroTech graduate
PetroTech classes are forming now for the fall/winter 2017/2018 groups in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Classes are in the evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and are taught by industry professionals. Limited scholarships are available.
For more information on the program or to download an application, visit oerb.com/careers/petrotech