Today’s oil and natural gas industry requires a higher level of training and technical expertise than in the past, largely due to increased automation and the use of advanced technologies.
The Texas Oil & Gas Association says the first step for recent high school graduates with no prior experience should be to explore educational opportunities that provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
“To that end, the oil and gas industry frequently partners with universities, community colleges and trade schools to provide pathways to develop the workforce for jobs throughout the state,” TXOGA President Todd Staples said. “On-the-job training remains crucial especially as workers transition to more complex roles.
“However, the foundation provided by formal education and training programs is increasingly important.”
To match job seekers with job opportunities, TXOGA has developed a Career Center on its website, which offers a variety of options for companies seeking to fill spots and various tools for those seeking a job, Staples said.
He said from Austin that oilfield operational efficiencies led to the Texas Workforce Commission’s recent report that upstream oil and gas employment fell again in June, with a decline of 2,000 jobs compared to May, marking 5 out of 6 months this calendar year that the job count has dropped.
“Operational efficiencies are driving strong production with fewer rigs, which can translate to declining industry job numbers,” he said. “Baker Hughes data indicate the national rig count has declined 14 percent from 687 in June 2023 to 588 active rigs in June 2024.
“By contrast the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates rig productivity gains in excess of 20 percent year-over-year across major shale basins, with many companies maintaining or increasing production despite running fewer rigs. These productivity gains result in big benefits for consumers as prices have remained relatively stable despite geopolitical unrest.”
Staples said U.S. estimated crude oil production for the week ended July 12, 2024, indicated 13.3 million barrels per day, a big jump from 12.3 mb/d for the same week last year.
“Texas’ estimated crude oil production in June 2024 was 5.6 mb/d, a 1.9% year-over-year increase,” he said. “Estimated U.S. natural gas marketed production for the week ended July 17, 2024, was 115.1 billion cubic feet per day as compared to 114.3 bcf/d in the same week last year.”
