TSTC and Oil and Gas Leaders
to Launch Innovative Training

TSTC Marshall's first oil and gas training program is the most recent addition to TSTC Corporate College's extensive training portfolio. TSTC will offer an introductory oil and gas course that is designed and taught by industry professionals. The rapidly growing oil and gas sector is creating incredible job opportunities in East Texas. "Unfortunately," said Dr. Jeanne Wesley, Associate Vice President, "companies are experiencing a severe labor shortage and job seekers are often in the dark about what the jobs entail and what skills sets are needed."

Wesley said "Several oil and gas company representatives met with college administrators recently to look for solutions to bridge the gap between job seekers and local employers. The companies, which included Penn Virginia, Halliburton, C&J Energy Services, Therral Story Well Service, Davis Oilfield Services, JW Operating, Howell Oil and Gas, and Basic Energy Services, wanted a program that would assist in fast-tracking future entry-level employees by providing students basic oil field knowledge in service and operations occupations. The result was an initial plan to offer a quarterly course that could potentially add to the number of workers in the oil and gas sector, and, in turn, strengthen the economy of East Texas."

Industry leaders cited an immediate need for an intensive, two-week continuing education class that would introduce the student to the oil field and the exploration, completion, and production phases and offer specific training for students interested in a career. Kevin Gressett, Vice President and Completions Superintendent for Encino Petroleum Services, is leading the effort in designing and teaching the course. His background includes Well completions and hydraulic fracturing experience in South Texas, East Texas, West Texas, Gulf of Mexico and Western Oklahoma, Kevin has experience in pipeline engineering, wellbore design, well life studies, rock mechanics and fluid mechanics. Gressett said, "we need people that want to work, and have the ability to change and learn in a very dynamic work environment." He added, "Entry level jobs in the oil field can pay up to $ 55,000 per year", depending on the position and company. Additionally, with the industry enjoying a boom in activity and profitability, the career advancement potential is very high." Gressett will be assisted in teaching the course by representatives from Encino Petroleum Services, Weatherford Fracturing Technologies, C&J Energy Services, Schlumberger Gas lift, Helmerich and Payne (H&P), Davis Energy Services, Multi-Chem and CDM Resource Management, LTD.

This training is meant for potential job seekers who are serious about a high paying oil industry job. The class will meet at the college's North Building in room 108 and will cost $350 per person. Some local companies, including Penn Virginia, Weatherford Fracturing Technologies, C & J Energy Services, Davis Energy Services and Multi-Chem, have committed to reimburse the cost of the training class to any student hired by their company.

To find out how to enroll in this training course designed and taught by professionals in the oil and gas industry call TSTC Marshall's Corporate College office (903) 923-3415 or visit our website.