Careers In The Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Industry

There are many different types of job opportunities within the natural gas industry, so students have a range of choices to pick from when choosing an area of Marcellus Shale job training to focus on.

Careers In The Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Industry One of the most exciting developments in the US natural gas and oil industry is the exploration and extraction of natural gas in Marcellus Shale, also known as the Marcellus Formation. Marcellus Shale covers an area of about 90,000 square miles, running through Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. It lies about a mile under the surface with depths estimated to reach up to 9,000 feet. With the increased use of hydraulic fracturing (horizontal drilling) methods for extracting gas and oil, developers are more willing than ever to invest in setting up drill sites in the Marcellus Formation. While traditionally oil and natural gas is extracted from reservoirs, the resources within Marcellus Shale are contained in cracks, pores, and between thin layers of rock. Even though there is estimated to be hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of natural gas throughout the Marcellus Formation, only minimal portions are able to be recovered through traditional drilling method, making the endeavors largely uneconomical. However, hydraulic fracturing has allowed for a much more effective extraction of the small deposits, increasing yields dramatically. The market has been quick to respond to this development. The prime extraction period for Marcellus Shale is currently estimated to last for the next 40-50 years, so many workers, even younger ones just entering the field, may have the option of working their entire careers in this sector. Each drilling site is staffed with approximately 250 workers, creating plenty of work opportunities throughout Pennsylvania as thousands of drilling permits are approved per year.

432.5 billioncubic feet of natural gas.

Marcellus Shale Formation

895 billioncubic feet of natural gas.

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2012

Natural Gas Production

Career Opportunities In Natural GasMany technical industries, including natural gas, are struggling against a definite lack of qualified workers. In response, technical training programs have emerged to develop the professional skills of a new generation. There are many different types of job opportunities within the natural gas industry, so students have a range of choices to pick from when choosing an area of Marcellus Shale job training to focus on. Some of the fastest oil and gas career training opportunities include:

Pennsylvania pipelines are currently running at full capacity. With the increased natural gas and oil production from the growing Marcellus Shale industry, more pipelines have to be installed. This also means even more pipe to maintain as the equipment ages. However, with much of the welding population at the age of retirement and fewer young workers coming to replace them, now is an excellent time to train for a career in welding and pipefitting to build, repair, and inspect pipes. Welders are also needed to construct the well casing that will be inserted into the borehole.

Large industrial plants have a definite need for HVAC workers to maintain boilers, chillers, and other equipment required for heating, cooling, and ventilation. HVAC technicians are critical in creating energy efficient designs and systems in commercial buildings. These savings are especially vital to major operations, such as energy production facilities. Part of this job is to ensure a comfortable environment for workers, but the network of machines that remove impurities from natural gas also rely on the skills and knowledge of HVAC technicians.

Natural gas operations require the development of an area’s infrastructure. Workers must be trained to operate equipment to build holding ponds, pipeline trenches, roads, and storage and processing facilities. Processing plants will also need cabling experts to install security systems, computers, monitors, and audio/visual equipment. Construction is always the first and most vital step for building a new drilling operation, and more construction is required as the needs of a plant change.

895 billioncubic feet of natural gas.

Welding & Pipefitting HVAC Construction & Building Technology

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Career Opportunities In Natural Gas

Training For A Career In Oil And Gas

Computer Aided Drafting helps designers create drawings and schematics for buildings, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, security systems, and even machinery. In the natural gas industry, plans are also designed for piping solutions for extracting natural gas, refinery systems, generators, and more. The 3D and 2D images produced in CAD software can be easily altered and manipulated without the hassle of paper drawings or constructed models. They can also demonstrate the functionality of the object without having to build a working model.

Pumps, motors, lights, and other electronically powered equipment must be programmed, built, and maintained by qualified automation or electronics technicians. Devices used in energy production are controlled through computers by operators so that they can safely operate and monitor natural gas drilling, extraction, and transportation. Electronics technicians work both in the office (building instrumentation for gas extraction) as well as in the field (installing and inspecting instrumentation). Technicians are responsible for making sure that all equipment works properly when it is installed, and they also monitor the equipment over time to ensure it continues to run efficiently.

Students do not need a background in the field they are entering when they enroll in an oil and gas career program. Educators work with industry professionals to design courses that utilize the technologies and hardware used in the field. This streamlines the learning process as well as allows students to effectively train for the roles that employers are trying to fill. With the increasing demand for energy and new reserves constantly being found across the nation and around the world, natural gas and oil careers have the potential to offer hard-working individuals secure employment and a meaningful, long-lasting career.

CAD Design

Oil & Gas Electronics

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The Pittsburgh Technical Institute has been preparing career-oriented students with professional certifications and skills training for over 65 years. Programs are tailored to suit market conditions so that students will learn skills relevant to the current needs of their chosen industry. With several programs applicable to or focused on the booming Marcellus Shale natural gas industry, PTI’s hands-on natural gas jobs training will help students in the Pittsburgh area find long-lasting energy careers. For more information about training for a career in natural gas, contact a PTI Admissions Counselor.