The pipeline industry in Texas is short on workers, something Del Mar College in Corpus Christi hopes to change. The college’s Continuing Education Department now offers four-week courses aimed at training new workers and helping them find jobs.
Pipeline construction companies in Texas face a hiring shortage, which Del Mar College in Corpus Christi plans to fill. Believed to be the only college in the state offering a pipeline training program, Del Mar graduated its first cohort in May and has several more planned for this summer and fall.
“The public has no idea about pipeline,” said Louis Lopez, a program instructor. “Pipeline is a critical part of our socioeconomics as related to energy with the public knowing very little about the industry. I also was surprised that no other college offers pipeline training.”
Lopez is a 35-year career veteran in the pipeline industry and a retired senior engineering technician from ExxonMobil Pipeline Co. He is also the mastermind behind the college’s program.
“The industry spends a lot of time and money training new recruits to learn how to pipeline, so I approached Del Mar with this idea for a program that has been well-received by the public and the industry,” Lopez said.
The program includes three four-week courses on Introduction to Pipeline, Petrochemical Industry Safety, Pipeline Construction and Operation, and Corrosion Control and Regulatory Compliance. Students learn pipeline industry history and development as well as about oil fields, pump stations, and oil movements. Students can also take advanced-level courses upon completing the introductory program. Additional courses cover blueprint reading, coercion control, federal policies, procedures, and guidelines.
“Students become very familiar with industry language, safety, and operations,” said Joe Hayen, Continuing Education program manager. “Employers like the fact these individuals have considerable pipeline knowledge and vocabulary as compared to new hires, who they must train from the get-go.”
Of the nine students who started the first cohort, three are already working in the industry. The six who graduated in late May all had job interviews lined up.
The next cohort begins June 1 with additional cohorts beginning July 18 and Aug. 15. Another three cohorts begin in the fall.
For details, visit delmar.edu/continuing-education or contact ce@delmar.edu or (361) 698-2122.
