Energy, Transportation & Industry

Examples of jobs in transportation would include, but not limited to:

• Truck Driver
• Equipment Operator
• Diesel Technician
• Shop Foreman
• Shop Supervisor
• Dispatcher
• Fleet Manager
• Logistician
• Materials Control Manager
• Operations Manager
• Materials Handler
• Production Scheduler
• Inventory Control Manager

That would depend on one’s role. If a person is a direct hire for a company, one would most likely have a regular work schedule working 40 hours a week and possibly having to work overtime depending on workload. Many jobs in these industries require individuals to work independently in a field setting which means that a person must drive to a remote location and perform a repair or perform an analysis on a piece of equipment by himself or herself.

Taking college courses in these areas provide individuals with a sound technical foundation; moreover, individuals will also learn the soft skills and critical thinking skills required to not only be a good employee, but also be a good co-worker. The college courses are reviewed by industry professionals so that the skill taught at Midland College are the same skills that businesses seek when hiring. Most companies will also offer higher pay for individuals who have received technical training from a college, technical school or university.

You can get an entry-level job and learn while earning money, but advancement or pay increases may be limited due to a lack of foundational knowledge.

Important skills include:

• Technical/Mechanical Skills
• Soft Skills
• Communication Skills (Oral and Written)
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Ability to work in a team

There is job security in these career areas because of the diversity of companies and types of jobs in this area. 

As the price of oil increases, employment in many service-oriented companies improves.

There is still a high demand for individuals with good technical, mechanical and problem solving skills.

Programs in the Energy, Transportation and Industry include:

• Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration
• Automotive Technology
• Collision Repair
• Diesel Technology
• Energy Technology

The length of time to complete an Associate of Applied Science in one of these programs is two years for a student attending fulltime. Certificate programs take approximately one year to complete for full-time students.

There are two certificates offered in the Energy Technology program:

• Energy Technician Certificate
• Petroleum Energy Technician Certificate

Major areas of growth in Energy, Transportation and Industry include:

• Oil and gas automation and instrumentation
• Residential and commercial heating and air conditioning
• Diesel field service technicians
• Heavy equipment diesel technicians

The lack of experience is the main thing affecting someone just entering any career. Having college training will help offset some of the lack of experience because individuals will at least have a good, sound foundation and knowledge in that area.

Individuals can meet with one of Midland College’s career advisors to determine their skills and interests.

Entry-level salary for a service technician in this area may range from $12-$22 per hour depending on the individual company.

Salaries can reach up to six figures in these occupations.