Industry Spotlight: Oil & Gas
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- Boom Town: What Brings Thousands of Jobs to One Ohio Town? (ABC News)
- ShaleNET
- Ohio Shale Coalition
Oil & Gas in Ohio
The potential economic impact provided by natural gas reserves in Ohio has many Ohio colleges gearing up to provide training in the industry. Energy companies are looking at both the Marcellus and Utica Shale natural gas reserves to supplement the nation’s energy supply. The Marcellus Shale formation, which reaches into Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, is substantial in Appalachian Ohio along the Ohio River.
The boundaries of the deeper Utica Shale formation extend under the Marcellus Shale region and beyond. Experts estimate the Marcellus Shale formation has the potential to produce the energy equivalent of 87 billion barrels of oil – enough to meet total U.S. natural gas demand for 20 years. This industry requires employees with a specialized training – training colleges in Ohio can provide.
Jobs in Demand
Production Operations
- Draftsman / Cartographer
- Electrician
- Equipment Operator
- GIS Specialist
- Mechanic
- Petroleum Engineer
Drilling Operations
- Driller
- Mechanic
- Welder
Exploration
- Field Engineer
- Geo Tech
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Seismologist
Service Companies
- Electronics Technician
- Hydrocarbon Data Analyst
- Sales Representative
- Wireline Operator
Environmental
- Environmental Technician
- Chemical Technician
- Soil Scientist
Land & Legal
- Abstractor / Title Examiner
- Lease Agent / Land Agent / Landman
- Surveyor
- Surveyor’s Assistant
Natural Gas Sales
- Market Research Analyst
- Natural Gas Marketer
- Trader
For more info on careers in the oil and gas industry, visit www.OhioMeansJobs.com.
Training
These well-paying positions require a variety of education and training that ranges from short-term certificates to advanced degrees. Many University System of Ohio institutions offer these credentials.
In the Beginning
Before drilling begins, trained professionals - such as geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, seismologists, and field engineers - study the geology of drilling sites, obtain mineral rights and proper permits, and stake the wells.
Drilling Operations
Many University System of Ohio schools provide short-term training for entry-level positions on drilling sites. Drillers, welders, and mechanics are needed throughout the oil and gas drilling process. Most drilling operations jobs require some technical education, which can be obtained at University System of Ohio adult career centers.
Research & Development
The advanced techniques used to tap into Marcellus and Utica Shale began as academic research. Further research will continue to make the drilling process more efficient and effective. Advanced degrees in this field are available at numerous University System of Ohio institutions.
Ongoing Support
Once gas wells have been established, ongoing work includes the maintainance and repair of equipment, land reclamation and landscaping, accounting, clerical, and other support positions.
Schools
The schools and career centers noted here are just a sampling of what is available throughout the state. Visit www.OhioHigherEd.org/campuses for a complete listing of University System of Ohio locations and program information.
- Belmont College | 800.423.1188
- Central Ohio Technical College | 740.366.1351
- Eastern Gateway Community College | 740.264.5591
- Stark State College | 330.494.6170
- Washington State Community College | 740.374.8716
- Zane State College | 740.454.2501
- C-TEC | 800.945.CTEC
- Mid-East Career & Technology Centers | 800.832.7545
- Washington County Career Center | 740.373.2766
All Ohio ABLE Locations by County
All Ohio AWE Centers by County
Need a GED?
You can brush up on your math, reading and writing skills, or prepare to take your GED test for FREE at any of Ohio's Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) programs throughout the state.
Want to ease into your training or education? Start courses at your local Adult Workforce Education (AWE) center. Students can transfer credits to a community colleges or universities across Ohio.
For more info: Workforce Training & Adult Education