The Next Generation of Oil and Gas Professionals: Futures in Energy 2007

Concerns have been raised over the past several years where the next crop of Oil and Gas Professionals will come from. PTTC is actively involved in answering the question with the Futures in Energy Program for high school teachers and students. With the help of 29 sponsors, PTTC’s Rocky Mountain Region oil and gas industry outreach program continued successfully in 2007. A total of 15 high school students and 23 teachers were given an interactive training program focusing on oil and gas exploration technology - some at the Colorado School of Mines between June 18-22, and others in Pinedale, Wyoming between June 11-15. Participants were supplied with free room and board, and instructional material.  The courses for both the students and teachers included class room training, talks by local industry people on careers in the energy field, field visits to see actual oilfield operations and instruction at sites of geologic interest. After the course, nine students participated in a four week paid internship program with local energy companies in their community.

High school teachers received two semester hours of graduate-level re-licensing through the program and at the end of the training course were given a kit of instructional material so they could teach a six week module on oil and gas technology.  This module addresses various aspects of petroleum exploration, integrating geography, mathematics, and problem-solving skills with traditional geologic concepts. It is hoped that through the use of real data from the energy industry and federal agencies, including seismic profiles, electric logs, maps, and oil samples, that earth science and the study of natural resources will become relevant to students.

On the lighter side, everyone enjoyed the “Gushers and Dusters” simulation game in which players get to act out the risk and excitement enjoyed by members of the energy community. Overall, the program received great grades from all participants.

Students enjoying the Icebreaker Dinner at the Coolbaugh House, Colorado School of Mines

Sponsors

Andrew Franklin AAPG RMS Foundation American Oil and Gas, Inc. Chemical Consultants Denver Earth Science Projects Duane Moredock Ellora Energy, Inc. EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. Enercrest Inc EnerPlus Resources Corp. Evertson Operating Company, Inc. Halliburton IPAMS (Independent Petroleum Ass. Of Mountain States) John Robinson (North Ranch Resources) Jensco Pipe and Equipment, Inc.

Marathon Oil Co. NICO Resources LLC O'Neal Resources O'Shaughnessy Fund PTTC Rockies Questar Exploration RMAG Foundation Schlumberger Oil Field Services SPE ELP St Mary Land and Exploration Co. Stone Energy Corp Tiorco Unit Corporation US Bank White Eagle Exploration