Energy Technology

At Midland College, the Energy Technology program prepares students for careers as lease operators and general field technicians within the oil and gas industry. Other career paths may require students to perform different functions as members of an oil and/or gas production team.

The curriculum is designed to provide training in the electrical and mechanical aspects of the installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of control systems and surface equipment used in petroleum exploration and production.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Petroleum Energy Technology coursework will be a combination of core academic courses and highly specialized technical classes. Safety practices and training are an important part of the program. Communication, leadership, and teamwork concepts are fundamental to the hands-on laboratory component.

Students entering this program should exhibit mechanical aptitude, the ability to read and follow instructions as outlined in service repair manuals and enjoy precision work and problem solving.

Workforce Solutions (WIOA) Eligible

Students choosing this academic pathway may receive funding and other financial assistance and support from Workforce Solutions. See www.facebook.com/PermianBasinWorkforce, call (432) 367-1449 (option 5), or open the flyer for information on the services they provide in partnership with Midland College. The Workforce Solutions office is located on Midland College's main campus, in room 138 of the Technology Center (TC) Building. Note: Students receiving federal and state financial aid are not eligible for WIOA assistance.

Energy Technology professionals checking pipelines   A 'pumpjack' - a familiar peiece of West Texas energy technology   Energy Technology professionals in a tank farm
         

Program Details

Click Links Below For Details

Marketable Skills

Pursuing a degree in this field of study will provide marketable skills in these areas:

  • Leadership
  • Troubleshooting – Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not working
  • Operation Monitoring – Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working
  • Operation and Control – Using equipment or systems
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical Thinking – Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • Teamwork skills
  • Reading Comprehension – Reading work-related information

Career Opportunities

A sample of energy technology jobs include:

  • Geophysical Data Technicians
  • Geological Sample Test Technician
  • Frac Technician
  • Wellhead Service Technician
  • Oil Measurement Technician
  • Wireline Technician
  • Gas Plant Operator
  • Production Technician
  • Well Performance Specialist
  • Lab Technician
  • I & E Technician
  • Automation Technician
  • Geotech Field Technician

Demand

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of geological and petroleum technicians is projected to grow 16% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for natural gas is expected to increase demand for geological exploration and extraction in the future.

Certificate Program

With a certificate from Midland College’s Petroleum Energy Technology program, students will be prepared for entry level positions as lease operators, lease managers, and general field service technicians within the oil and gas industry. Other career paths may require students to perform different functions as members of an oil and gas production team.

The Energy Technician Certificate and the Petroleum Energy Technician Certificate coursework focus' on highly specialized technical classes. Safety practices and training are an important part of the program. Communication, leadership, and teamwork concepts are fundamental to the hands-on laboratory experiences which are incorporated.

Apply for General Scholarships through the Financial Aid Portal

FAFSA Requirement

The student's FAFSA application must be on file with MC Financial Aid to access the Financial Aid Portal and apply for scholarships.

If the student's FAFSA application is not on file with MC Financial Aid, the student needs to complete the FAFSA application, and once processed, will have access to complete the general scholarship application.

FAFSA Information


How to Apply

  1. Complete current year FAFSA or TASFA applications
  2. Register for 6+ credit hours towards a degree or certification
  3. Minimum GPA of 2.50 or higher each semester

For additional scholarship details and deadlines, visit the General Scholarships page.

General Scholarships

Visit the course catalog for the most complete and up-to-date information.

 

Contact

Program Chair

Erick Gutierrez
Diesel Training Center
111 W. Florida Avenue
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 686-4917
egutierrez@midland.edu 

MAP

Faculty

Energy Technology Faculty Contact Information

Division Office

Applied Technology

Marie Hall Academic Building
Room 176
(432) 685-4676
Building Floor Plan

MAP

 

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Thank you for choosing Midland College! If you are here to collect a few credits, take courses to transfer, or here to start a new career, we welcome you.

How to Apply