Developing oil and gas career pathways

The University of Phoenix and the API have announced a program that will work with select community colleges all over the USA to develop transfer pathways to help foster highly skilled talent in the oil and gas industry. The pathways are a blueprint to help associate degree students obtain a bachelor’s degree while developing workplace skills and competencies that are integral to the oil and gas industry.

A growing yet demanding industry

The oil and gas industry is maintaining its position as a bright spot in the American economy, supporting more than 9.2 million jobs and investing billions in the domestic economy. As the industry continues to grow, and as technologies and economic trends at the heart of the growth expand, the base of skilled workers is changing frequently. Today’s oil and gas worker must possess skills beyond the traditional industry criteria and build on competencies such as business acumen, project management, communication abilities and environmental stewardship.

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‘This program is an important step in building the next generation of oil and gas industry leaders equipped to meet the challenges of the growing energy industry,’ said Barry Feierstein, executive vice president and chief business operating officer at University of Phoenix. ‘API and University of Phoenix are currently collaborating with nine community colleges, resulting in 20 pathways in Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Florida and California.’

This is an important effort to help individuals gain the skills they need to succeed in the 21^st Century and with a growing industry that makes a significant contribution to fueling our economy,’ said John Modine, Director, API Global Industry Services.

‘University of Phoenix is deeply committed to partnering with organisations across the energy industry to address workforce needs,’ said Jane Oates, vice president of external affairs at Apollo Group, parent company of University of Phoenix. ‘We are working with organisations across the oil and gas, nuclear, natural gas and renewable spectrum to ensure the American energy workforce is ready to meet the industry’s needs.’

Adapted from press release by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/07082013/developing_an_oil_gas_career_pathway_99/