A shortage of skilled workers is the greatest barrier to oil and gas industry growth, according to recent research from a leading industry advisor.

Oklahoma’s Central Technology Center (CTC) is launching a brand new program intended to address this talent deficit, and AI has a hand in it. CTC will open its Pipeline Oil and Gas Technology program in January 2015, under the leadership of NACE-Certified Corrosion Technician Windall Mayes, who was hired to develop the facilities and curriculum.

The program offers three 800-plus hour tracts: Certified Pipeline Oil and Gas Technician, Pipeline Inspector and Cathodic Protection Technician. When done, students will receive Certificates of Completion in the area of their choice. Additionally, those who elect the CP Tech course will have the opportunity to continue their studies with a one week, on-campus NACE CP-1 Training Course.

The program’s new lab has 22 hands-on work stations, and its outdoor facilities will have fully-operational pipelines to simulate real-life scenarios. To equip the facilities, Mayes reached out to those with whom he’d built relationships throughout his 30-year oil and gas career, including American Innovations. AI donated Allegro Field Data PCs, Bullhorn® Remote Monitors, Pipeline Compliance System (PCS) software and MicroMax® Current Interrupters to the school.

“It’s not just about building a training program,” says Mayes. “It’s about building relationships. When our students graduate, they’ll need resources to do their jobs. Thanks to companies like American Innovations, they’ll know exactly what resources they need and where to get them.”

To hear more about the program, contact Mayes at Email Mayes or 918-352-2551.

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