Colleges Offer Oil & Gas Training
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Mar 22, 2012 at 10:25 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Mar 22, 2012
"The applicants in Webb County that apply sometimes don't have the proper certification to get the jobs."
At an Eagle Ford Shale conference update held earlier today, city officials discussed the business boom and how they can maximize job opportunities available to residents of Webb County. During the meeting, it was discussed that eagle ford shale employers are reporting an inability to meet employment goals which they say could halt major economic development.
"We need to make sure our workforce is prepared. we need to make sure our school districts have a curriculum in place which they already do."
That's what Laredo Community College professor Orlando Zepeda is doing. In fact, he says LCC board members and advisers decided to start an oil and gas program two years ago in anticipation of the fracking boom.
"There's a lot of people here that could be employed in that. We're finding that students come to us to get trained."
Those that complete the oil and gas specialization program will receive two certificates. By training people on the fracking business they are helping to employ locals instead of those from other counties and even states.
"They're bringing people from Louisiana, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, so it's not just San Antonio."
Zepeda says this program is such a success that companies with Eagle Ford Shale are coming to the campus.
"Which is my goal rather than us having to hunt them down...they come to us and we'll make the student available to interview."
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
b.s. said on Sunday, Mar 25 at 10:46 AM
your right these oil companies will NOT honor these. i heard them tell one person at the job fair its only a ps.of paper.
855294751 said on Friday, Mar 23 at 10:14 AM
There are so many schools and training companies out there and it seems that each company wants training from a different one. I'd like to know how many companies working in this area are actually recognizing any training from LCC. Colleges and online schools have become businesses competing for student's dollars like any other business and they will all tell you their training is recognized by all companies but is it really true?
85363006Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 23 at 7:56 AM
Mostly all oil companies don't honor those certifications, so what's the point. I'm sure it's good information as to what happens on oil fields, but not a good waste of a few hundred bucks.
85348265Add a comment
Most Popular